How to Dial In "Rain in the Tunnel" by Michael Lee Firkins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rain in the Tunnel"
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 Michael Lee Firkins (1990). Michael Lee Firkins is the self-titled first studio album by guitarist Michael Lee Firkins, released in 1990 through Shrapnel Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, a twangy country-rock pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Rain in the Tunnel" Tone
What guitar did Michael Lee Firkins use on "Rain in the Tunnel"?
The guitar on "Rain in the Tunnel" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Rain in the Tunnel" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Rain in the Tunnel" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rain in the Tunnel" 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 "Rain in the Tunnel" by Michael Lee Firkins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.