How to Dial In "Rock Box" by Run-DMC - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rock Box"
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 Run-D.M.C. (1984). Run-D.M.C. is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Run-D.M.C., released on March 27, 1984, by Profile Records, and re-issued by Arista Records. The song's Wikipedia article says producer Larry Smith invited his friend Eddie Martinez to record layers of guitar solos for the track after the group, influenced by the loud guitar sound of the heavy metal band Riot, set out to make a guitar-based record. It does not name Martinez's guitar or amp, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, a classic hard-rock pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Rock Box" Tone
What guitar did Run-DMC use on "Rock Box"?
The guitar on "Rock Box" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rock Box" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Rock Box" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rock Box" 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 "Rock Box" by Run-DMC are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.