How to Dial In "David Bowie" by Phish - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "David Bowie"
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 Junta (1989). Junta ( ) is the debut studio album by the American rock band Phish. It was self-released by the band in May 1989 on cassette without the support from a record label, and later received a wider release when Elektra Records reissued it on compact disc in 1992. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Phish's other songs from Junta, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "David Bowie" Tone
What guitar did Phish use on "David Bowie"?
The guitar on "David Bowie" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "David Bowie" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "David Bowie" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "David Bowie" 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 "David Bowie" by Phish are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.