How to Dial In "Rebels Rule" by Stray Cats - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Rebels Rule"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Bassman. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Rant n' Rave with the Stray Cats (1983). A rockabilly rocker built on twangy riffs and quick, melodic lead breaks. Setzer's rig has been a 1959 Gretsch 6120 through an early-1960s Fender Bassman run to the edge of its clean headroom, with a Roland RE-301 Space Echo for slapback from the early Eighties, per Premier Guitar and Guitar World. The Setzer signature 6120, a '59 Bassman reissue and the RE-301 stand in for them. Set the amp clean with a little edge and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Rebels Rule" Tone
What guitar did Stray Cats use on "Rebels Rule"?
Stray Cats tracked "Rebels Rule" on a Gretsch 6120 (released 1983). The Gretsch G6120T-BSSMK Brian Setzer Signature Nashville Hollow Body '59 Smoke named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Rebels Rule" need?
On a Bassman: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Rebels Rule" without a Bassman?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rebels Rule" 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.
What pedals are on "Rebels Rule"?
The original signal chain for "Rebels Rule" runs through Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Rebels Rule" by Stray Cats are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.