How to Dial In "Subway Train" by New York Dolls - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Subway Train"
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 Too Much Too Soon (1974). A raw, swaggering glam-punk rocker with crunchy power chords. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Subway Train" Tone
What guitar did New York Dolls use on "Subway Train"?
The guitar on "Subway Train" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Subway Train" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Subway Train" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Subway Train" 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 "Subway Train" by New York Dolls are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.