How to Dial In "Thieves in the Temple" by Prince - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Thieves in the Temple"
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 Graffiti Bridge (1990). Graffiti Bridge is the twelfth studio album by the American musician Prince and the soundtrack to the 1990 film of the same name, released on 20 August 1990 by Paisley Park Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIB, the rig we use for Prince's other songs from Graffiti Bridge, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Thieves in the Temple" Tone
What guitar did Prince use on "Thieves in the Temple"?
The guitar on "Thieves in the Temple" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Thieves in the Temple" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Thieves in the Temple" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Thieves in the Temple" 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 "Thieves in the Temple" by Prince are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.