How to Dial In "Sail Away" by Neil Young - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sail Away"
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 Rust Never Sleeps (1979). Rust Never Sleeps is the tenth album by Canadian American singer-songwriter Neil Young and his third with American band Crazy Horse. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe (Tweed Deluxe), the rig we use for Neil Young's other songs from Rust Never Sleeps, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Sail Away" Tone
What guitar did Neil Young use on "Sail Away"?
The guitar on "Sail Away" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Sail Away" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 9. 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 "Sail Away" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sail Away" 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 "Sail Away" by Neil Young are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.