How to Dial In "Borrowed Time" by Styx - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Borrowed Time"
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 Cornerstone (1979). Cornerstone is the ninth studio album by the American rock band Styx, released in 1979. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Styx's other songs from Cornerstone, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Borrowed Time" Tone
What guitar did Styx use on "Borrowed Time"?
The guitar on "Borrowed Time" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Borrowed Time" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 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 "Borrowed Time" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Borrowed Time" 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 "Borrowed Time" by Styx are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.