How to Dial In "Mental Hell" by Ramones - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mental Hell"
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 Animal Boy (1986). Animal Boy is the ninth studio album by the American punk rock band Ramones, released through Sire Records on May 19, 1986. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Mosrite Ventures Mark I through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Ramones' other songs from Animal Boy, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Mental Hell" Tone
What guitar did Ramones use on "Mental Hell"?
The guitar on "Mental Hell" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Mosrite Ventures Mark I above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Mental Hell" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Mental Hell" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mental Hell" 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 "Mental Hell" by Ramones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.