How to Dial In "Ancient Kingdom" by Mastodon - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ancient Kingdom"
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 Emperor of Sand (2017). Emperor of Sand is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Mastodon. The album version runs 4:54. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through Marshall JCM800 2203 with MXR Phase 90, the nearest rig to the one documented for Mastodon, stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D Standard (D G C F A D).
Common Questions About the "Ancient Kingdom" Tone
What guitar did Mastodon use on "Ancient Kingdom"?
The guitar on "Ancient Kingdom" (released 2017) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Ancient Kingdom" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Ancient Kingdom" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ancient Kingdom" 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.
What pedals are on "Ancient Kingdom"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Ancient Kingdom" by Mastodon are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.