How to Dial In "Busted Up" by Robben Ford - Guitar Tone Settings
What Robben Ford Actually Used on "Busted Up"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These are the numbers on the record. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Mystic Mile (1993). Mystic Mile is an electric blues album by Robben Ford and the Blue Line, released in 1993 by Stretch Records. Ford has said he bought his Dumble Overdrive Special while playing with the Blue Line and used it for the first time on Mystic Mile, so the Dumble is the amp here. No source we found settles which guitar he played on each song, so a Gibson ES-335 stands in, the rig we use for Ford's other songs from this album, and the knob values are approximate. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Busted Up" Tone
What guitar did Robben Ford use on "Busted Up"?
Robben Ford tracked "Busted Up" on a Gibson ES-335 (released 1993). Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Busted Up" need?
On the original amp: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Busted Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Busted Up" 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 "Busted Up" by Robben Ford are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.