How to Dial In "Love Song" by Simple Minds - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Love Song"
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 Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (1981). Sons and Fascination is the fourth studio album by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released in 1981 on Virgin Records and issued alongside the Sister Feelings Call EP. 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 Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Love Song" Tone
What guitar did Simple Minds use on "Love Song"?
The guitar on "Love Song" (released 1981) 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 "Love Song" 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 "Love Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Love Song" 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 "Love Song" by Simple Minds are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.