How to Dial In "Red Alibi" by Sparta - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Red Alibi"
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 Wiretap Scars (2002). Wiretap Scars is the debut studio album by American rock band Sparta. Jim Ward has said that about 90% of his guitar parts on the album were played on producer Jerry Finn's personal Gibson Les Paul Junior, but no source we found names the amp or ties a guitar to this song in particular, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through an Orange Rockerverb 50 MkIII, the amp we use for Sparta's other songs from Wiretap Scars, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch; the Junior has a single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Red Alibi" Tone
What guitar did Sparta use on "Red Alibi"?
The guitar on "Red Alibi" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Red Alibi" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, 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 "Red Alibi" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Red Alibi" 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 "Red Alibi" by Sparta are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.