How to Dial In "Once Upon a Song" by Masayoshi Takanaka - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Once Upon a Song"
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 The Rainbow Goblins (1981). The Rainbow Goblins is a studio album by the Japanese jazz fusion guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka, released on 10 March 1981 by Kitty Records. The album's personnel list credits Masayoshi Takanaka with guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Yamaha SG2000 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Masayoshi Takanaka's other songs from The Rainbow Goblins, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Once Upon a Song" Tone
What guitar did Masayoshi Takanaka use on "Once Upon a Song"?
The guitar on "Once Upon a Song" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Yamaha SG2000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Once Upon a Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Once Upon a Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Once Upon a Song" 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 "Once Upon a Song" by Masayoshi Takanaka are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.