How to Dial In "Free" by Powerman 5000 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Free"
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 Transform (2003). Transform is the fourth studio album by American rock band Powerman 5000, released on 20 May 2003 by DreamWorks Records. The album's personnel list credits Mike Tempesta and Adam Williams with guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a PRS Custom 24 through a Peavey 5150, the nearest rig we use for Powerman 5000's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Free" Tone
What guitar did Powerman 5000 use on "Free"?
The guitar on "Free" (released 2003) isn't documented; the PRS Custom 24 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Free" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Free" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Free" 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 "Free" by Powerman 5000 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.