How to Dial In "Human Fly" by The Cramps - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Human Fly"
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 Gravest Hits (1979). A 12-inch EP gathering the two 1978 Vengeance singles plus one more track, produced by Alex Chilton at Ardent Studios in Memphis in 1977, it was released in July 1979. It first appeared on one of the band's 1978 Vengeance singles. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G6120 Eddie Cochran Signature Hollow Body through a Fender '59 Bassman LTD Reissue, the nearest rig to the one documented for The Cramps, stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Human Fly" Tone
What guitar did The Cramps use on "Human Fly"?
The guitar on "Human Fly" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Gretsch G6120 Eddie Cochran Signature Hollow Body above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Human Fly" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6, 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 "Human Fly" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Human Fly" 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 "Human Fly" by The Cramps are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.