How to Dial In "Book of Brilliant Things" by Simple Minds - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Book of Brilliant Things"
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 Sparkle in the Rain (1984). Sparkle in the Rain is the sixth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released on 6 February 1984 by Virgin. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Simple Minds' other songs from Sparkle in the Rain, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Book of Brilliant Things" Tone
What guitar did Simple Minds use on "Book of Brilliant Things"?
The guitar on "Book of Brilliant Things" (released 1984) 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 "Book of Brilliant Things" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, 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 "Book of Brilliant Things" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Book of Brilliant Things" 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 "Book of Brilliant Things" by Simple Minds are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.