How to Dial In "When the Lights Are Out" by Slade - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "When the Lights Are Out"
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 Old New Borrowed and Blue (1974). Old New Borrowed and Blue is the fourth studio album by the British rock group Slade, released on 15 February 1974 by Polydor Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Slade's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "When the Lights Are Out" Tone
What guitar did Slade use on "When the Lights Are Out"?
The guitar on "When the Lights Are Out" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "When the Lights Are Out" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "When the Lights Are Out" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "When the Lights Are Out" 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 "When the Lights Are Out" by Slade are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.