How to Dial In "Mandela Day" by Simple Minds - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mandela Day"
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 Street Fighting Years (1989). Street Fighting Years is the eighth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released in May 1989 by record label Virgin Records worldwide apart from the US, where it was released by A&M. 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 Street Fighting Years, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Mandela Day" Tone
What guitar did Simple Minds use on "Mandela Day"?
The guitar on "Mandela Day" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Mandela Day" 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 "Mandela Day" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mandela Day" 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 "Mandela Day" by Simple Minds are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.