How to Dial In "Borstal Breakout" by Sham 69 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Borstal Breakout"
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 Tell Us the Truth (1978). Tell Us the Truth is the debut album by English punk rock band Sham 69, released in 1978. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959HW Handwired Super Lead, the nearest rig we use for Sham 69's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Borstal Breakout" Tone
What guitar did Sham 69 use on "Borstal Breakout"?
The guitar on "Borstal Breakout" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Borstal Breakout" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7. 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 "Borstal Breakout" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Borstal Breakout" 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 "Borstal Breakout" by Sham 69 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.