How to Dial In "Bitter Suite" by Marillion - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bitter Suite"
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 Misplaced Childhood (1985). Misplaced Childhood is the third studio album by the British neo-prog band Marillion, released in 1985. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for Marillion's other songs from Misplaced Childhood, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the middle and bridge pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Bitter Suite" Tone
What guitar did Marillion use on "Bitter Suite"?
The guitar on "Bitter Suite" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Bitter Suite" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Bitter Suite" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bitter Suite" 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 "Bitter Suite" by Marillion are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.