How to Dial In "The Noonward Race" by Mahavishnu Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "The Noonward Race"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Super Lead. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
A furious, fast-picked track on The Inner Mounting Flame, recorded in August 1971 and released that year by Columbia; JazzTimes named it with "Vital Transformation" and "Awakening" as the numbers that, fuelled by Billy Cobham's drumming and John McLaughlin's raging, distortion-soaked guitar lines, grabbed rock crowds. McLaughlin played a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck between 1971 and 1973, amplified through a 100-watt Marshall, so a Marshall 1959 Super Lead stands in. Play it with a hot, compressed bridge-pickup tone, tight alternate picking and a lot of sustain. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Noonward Race" Tone
What guitar did Mahavishnu Orchestra use on "The Noonward Race"?
Mahavishnu Orchestra tracked "The Noonward Race" on a Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck SG (released 1971). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Noonward Race" need?
On a Super Lead: Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 7, Volume 8. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "The Noonward Race" without a Super Lead?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Noonward Race" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "The Noonward Race" by Mahavishnu Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.