How to Dial In "Upside Downside" by Mike Stern - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Upside Downside"
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 Upside Downside (1986). Upside Downside is the second studio album by guitarist Mike Stern, released in 1986 through Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Mike Stern Telecaster through a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb, the rig we use for Mike Stern's other songs from Upside Downside, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Stern has said he played a custom Telecaster-style guitar built by luthier Michael Aronson on this album, as a copy of a Danny Gatton Telecaster (Guitarist magazine); no amp is documented, and the Mike Stern Telecaster above stands in for it.
Common Questions About the "Upside Downside" Tone
What guitar did Mike Stern use on "Upside Downside"?
The guitar on "Upside Downside" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Fender Mike Stern Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Upside Downside" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Upside Downside" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Upside Downside" 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 "Upside Downside" by Mike Stern are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.