How to Dial In "Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Babylon Sisters"
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 Gaucho (1980). Gaucho is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Steely Dan, released on November 21, 1980, by MCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Steely Dan's other songs from Gaucho, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck and middle pickups together.
Common Questions About the "Babylon Sisters" Tone
What guitar did Steely Dan use on "Babylon Sisters"?
The guitar on "Babylon Sisters" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Babylon Sisters" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Babylon Sisters" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Babylon Sisters" 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 "Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.