How to Dial In "Walking in L.A." by Missing Persons - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Walking in L.A."
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 Spring Session M (1982). Spring Session M is the debut studio album by American rock band Missing Persons. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Missing Persons' other songs from Spring Session M, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Walking in L.A." Tone
What guitar did Missing Persons use on "Walking in L.A."?
The guitar on "Walking in L.A." (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender Player Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Walking in L.A." need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 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 "Walking in L.A." without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Walking in L.A." 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 "Walking in L.A." by Missing Persons are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.