How to Dial In "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" by Mott the Hoople - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ballad of Mott the Hoople"
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 Mott (1973). Mott is the sixth studio album by British rock band Mott the Hoople. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Mott the Hoople's other songs from Mott, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup.
Common Questions About the "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" Tone
What guitar did Mott the Hoople use on "Ballad of Mott the Hoople"?
The guitar on "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" 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 "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" 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 "Ballad of Mott the Hoople" by Mott the Hoople are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.