How to Dial In "Strange Machines" by The Gathering - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Strange Machines"
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 Mandylion (1995). Mandylion is the third studio album by the Dutch band the Gathering. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a PRS Custom 24 through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, a driven progressive-metal pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Strange Machines" Tone
What guitar did The Gathering use on "Strange Machines"?
The guitar on "Strange Machines" (released 1995) isn't documented; the PRS Custom 24 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Strange Machines" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Strange Machines" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Strange Machines" 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 "Strange Machines" by The Gathering are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.