How to Dial In "Top Secret" by Ratt - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Top Secret"
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 Detonator (1990). Detonator is the fifth studio album by American glam metal band Ratt, released August 21, 1990, by Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Ratt's other songs from Detonator, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Top Secret" Tone
What guitar did Ratt use on "Top Secret"?
The guitar on "Top Secret" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Top Secret" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 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 "Top Secret" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Top Secret" 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 "Top Secret" by Ratt are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.