How to Dial In "King of Bongo" by Mano Negra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "King of Bongo"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From King of Bongo (1991). King of Bongo is the third studio album by Mano Negra, released on 1 April 1991 by Virgin. The album's personnel list credits Daniel Jamet (billed as Roger Cageot) as lead guitarist, with Manu Chao on guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body (DeArmond) through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Mano Negra's other songs from King of Bongo, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "King of Bongo" Tone
What guitar did Mano Negra use on "King of Bongo"?
The guitar on "King of Bongo" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Hollow Body (DeArmond) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "King of Bongo" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "King of Bongo" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "King of Bongo" 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 "King of Bongo" by Mano Negra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.