How to Dial In "Don't Mean Nothing" by Richard Marx - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Mean Nothing"
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 Richard Marx (1987). Richard Marx is the self-titled debut album by American singer-songwriter Richard Marx, released on June 15, 1987. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Richard Marx's other songs from Richard Marx, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Don't Mean Nothing" Tone
What guitar did Richard Marx use on "Don't Mean Nothing"?
The guitar on "Don't Mean Nothing" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Don't Mean Nothing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Don't Mean Nothing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Mean Nothing" 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 "Don't Mean Nothing" by Richard Marx are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.