How to Dial In "The Wreckers" by Rush - Guitar Tone Settings
What Rush Actually Used on "The Wreckers"
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 numbers are for a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2554 Combo. 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 Clockwork Angels (2012). Clockwork Angels is the nineteenth and final studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on June 8, 2012, on Roadrunner Records. Alex Lifeson told Guitar Player he found a 50-watt Marshall Silver Jubilee in the studio and ended up using it on a lot of the record, and producer Nick Raskulinecz said that amp with a small-box plexi reissue and no pedals gave the main guitar sound; he named Lifeson's black signature Les Paul as the guitar used most, alongside a tobacco-sunburst 335, a white 355 and one of his Telecasters. The Gibson Les Paul Axcess stands for the signature Les Paul and the Silver Jubilee combo for the 50-watt head. Lifeson mentions his Hughes & Kettner heads only as his previous main amp, not as part of this record's sound, so they are left out. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Wreckers" Tone
What guitar did Rush use on "The Wreckers"?
Rush tracked "The Wreckers" on a Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard (released 2012). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Wreckers" need?
On Marshall Silver Jubilee 2554 Combo: Gain 6, Bass 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 "The Wreckers" without a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2554 Combo?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Wreckers" 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 "The Wreckers" by Rush are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.