How to Dial In "Writing on the Wall" by Social Distortion - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Writing on the Wall"
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 Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (2011). Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes is the seventh studio album by American punk rock band Social Distortion, released on January 18, 2011. Mike Ness told Premier Guitar that for this album he used two Gibson Les Paul Deluxes fitted with custom Seymour Duncan P-90s, a 1976 goldtop and an early-'70s sunburst, and that he "primarily used" his 1967 Fender Bassman, with Jonny Wickersham's Satellite FM36 on a few overdubs and layered parts. He does not tie either guitar or the amp to this song, so an Epiphone Mike Ness 1976 Les Paul Deluxe, the replica of his goldtop, through a Fender Bassman Head (1967, AB165) stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Writing on the Wall" Tone
What guitar did Social Distortion use on "Writing on the Wall"?
The guitar on "Writing on the Wall" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Epiphone Mike Ness 1976 Les Paul Deluxe above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Writing on the Wall" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, 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 "Writing on the Wall" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Writing on the Wall" 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 "Writing on the Wall" by Social Distortion are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.