How to Dial In "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" by Robert Cray - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waiting for the Tide to Turn"
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 Bad Influence (1983). Bad Influence is the second studio album by the blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Cray, released in 1983 by Hightone Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface), the rig we use for Robert Cray's other songs from Bad Influence, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the middle+bridge pickups together.
Common Questions About the "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" Tone
What guitar did Robert Cray use on "Waiting for the Tide to Turn"?
The guitar on "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" 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 "Waiting for the Tide to Turn" by Robert Cray are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.