How to Dial In "The Islander" by Nightwish - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Islander"
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 Dark Passion Play (2007). Dark Passion Play is the sixth studio album by the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, released on 26 September 2007 by Spinefarm. The album's personnel list credits Emppu Vuorinen with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through an Engl Powerball (E645), the rig we use for Nightwish's other songs from Dark Passion Play, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "The Islander" Tone
What guitar did Nightwish use on "The Islander"?
The guitar on "The Islander" (released 2007) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Islander" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, 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 "The Islander" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Islander" 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 "The Islander" by Nightwish are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.