How to Dial In "Black Eyed Boy" by Texas - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Black Eyed Boy"
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 White on Blonde (1997). A bright, bluesy pop-rock song with a clean, ringing semi-hollow guitar riff. Equipboard and Guitar Interactive describe a mid-1970s Gibson ES-335 that Ally McErlaine got at 17 and played on every Texas album and tour, and Equipboard adds Fender Tonemaster amps with 4x12 cabinets and a Fender Blues Junior from live photos and video descriptions, but no source gives the amp for this recording. So a Gibson ES-335 into a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Black Eyed Boy" Tone
What guitar did Texas use on "Black Eyed Boy"?
The guitar on "Black Eyed Boy" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Black Eyed Boy" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Black Eyed Boy" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Black Eyed Boy" 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 "Black Eyed Boy" by Texas are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.