How to Dial In "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"
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 Abbey Road (1969). Abbey Road is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band the Beatles, released on 26 September 1969 by Apple Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Epiphone Casino through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The Beatles' other songs from Abbey Road, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" Tone
What guitar did The Beatles use on "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
The guitar on "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" (released 1969) isn't documented; the Epiphone Casino above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" 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 "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.