How to Dial In "Russia on Ice" by Porcupine Tree - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Russia on Ice"
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 Lightbulb Sun (2000). Lightbulb Sun is the sixth studio album by British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, first released in May 2000, and later reissued in 2008 on CD, DVD-A surround sound, and vinyl. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a PRS Custom 24 through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Porcupine Tree's other songs from Lightbulb Sun, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Russia on Ice" Tone
What guitar did Porcupine Tree use on "Russia on Ice"?
The guitar on "Russia on Ice" (released 2000) isn't documented; the PRS Custom 24 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Russia on Ice" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, 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 "Russia on Ice" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Russia on Ice" 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 "Russia on Ice" by Porcupine Tree are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.