How to Dial In "Good Thing" by Paul Revere and the Raiders - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Good Thing"
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.
Singer Mark Lindsay and producer Terry Melcher wrote it at their shared house on Cielo Drive, after listening over and over to the band's previous single, "Hungry". The Raiders recorded it at Columbia Square in Los Angeles on 9 September 1966 with Melcher producing, and Columbia released it on 16 November with "Undecided Man" on the B-side. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1967 and opens The Spirit of '67. Drake Levin and Jim Valley played the guitars, and reviewers noted its twangy guitar rock sound. No source names the guitars, amps or effects. Play the driving riff on the bridge pickup with the amp clean but pushed, and let the twang come through. No transcription could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "Good Thing" Tone
What guitar did Paul Revere and the Raiders use on "Good Thing"?
The guitar on "Good Thing" (released 1966) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Good Thing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, 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 "Good Thing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Good Thing" 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 "Good Thing" by Paul Revere and the Raiders are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.