How to Dial In "What Goes Up" by The Alan Parsons Project - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "What Goes Up"
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 Pyramid (1978). Pyramid is the third album by progressive rock duo The Alan Parsons Project, released in May 1978. 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 nearest rig we use for The Alan Parsons Project's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "What Goes Up" Tone
What guitar did The Alan Parsons Project use on "What Goes Up"?
The guitar on "What Goes Up" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "What Goes Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "What Goes Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What Goes Up" 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 "What Goes Up" by The Alan Parsons Project are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.