How to Dial In "Theme from the Bottom" by Phish - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Theme from the Bottom"
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 Billy Breathes (1996). Billy Breathes is the sixth studio album by American rock band Phish, released by Elektra Records on October 15, 1996. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a PRS Hollowbody II through a Mesa Boogie Mark III, the rig we use for Phish's other songs from Billy Breathes, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Theme from the Bottom" Tone
What guitar did Phish use on "Theme from the Bottom"?
The guitar on "Theme from the Bottom" (released 1996) isn't documented; the PRS Hollowbody II above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Theme from the Bottom" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Theme from the Bottom" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Theme from the Bottom" 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 "Theme from the Bottom" by Phish are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.