How to Dial In "Shipyards of New Zealand" by Midnight Oil - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shipyards of New Zealand"
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 Red Sails in the Sunset (1984). Red Sails in the Sunset is the fifth studio album by Australian group Midnight Oil, released in October 1984 by Columbia. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Midnight Oil's other songs from Red Sails in the Sunset, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Shipyards of New Zealand" Tone
What guitar did Midnight Oil use on "Shipyards of New Zealand"?
The guitar on "Shipyards of New Zealand" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Shipyards of New Zealand" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Shipyards of New Zealand" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shipyards of New Zealand" 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 "Shipyards of New Zealand" by Midnight Oil are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.