How to Dial In "Back to Tupelo" by Mark Knopfler - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Back to Tupelo"
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 Komet Komet 60. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Shangri-La (2004). Shangri-La is the fourth solo studio album by British singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler, released on 28 September 2004 by Mercury Records internationally and Warner Bros. Records in the United States. A list of the album's guitars and amps credited to engineer Chuck Ainlay has the lead, which comes in at about 0:05, on a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard played on the neck pickup through a Komet head and a Marshall cab, with reverb. The Gibson Mark Knopfler 1958 Les Paul Standard through a Komet 60 stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Back to Tupelo" Tone
What guitar did Mark Knopfler use on "Back to Tupelo"?
Mark Knopfler tracked "Back to Tupelo" on a Les Paul (released 2004). The Gibson Mark Knopfler 1958 Les Paul Standard named above is a later replica, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Back to Tupelo" need?
On Komet Komet 60: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, 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 "Back to Tupelo" without a Komet Komet 60?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Back to Tupelo" 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 "Back to Tupelo" by Mark Knopfler are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.