How to Dial In "Big Sleep" by Simple Minds - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big Sleep"
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 New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) (1982). New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) is the fifth studio album by the Scottish band Simple Minds. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for Simple Minds' other songs from New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84), stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Big Sleep" Tone
What guitar did Simple Minds use on "Big Sleep"?
The guitar on "Big Sleep" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Big Sleep" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 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 "Big Sleep" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big Sleep" 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 "Big Sleep" by Simple Minds are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.