How to Dial In "Midnight Ride" by Styx - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Midnight Ride"
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 Equinox (1975). Equinox is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Styx, released in December 1975. 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 Equinox, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Midnight Ride" Tone
What guitar did Styx use on "Midnight Ride"?
The guitar on "Midnight Ride" (released 1975) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Midnight Ride" 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 "Midnight Ride" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Midnight Ride" 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 "Midnight Ride" by Styx are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.