How to Dial In "Dancing Machine" by The Jackson 5 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dancing Machine"
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 Dancing Machine (1974). Dancing Machine is the ninth studio album released by the Motown quintet the Jackson 5, on September 5, 1974. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for The Jackson 5's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Dancing Machine" Tone
What guitar did The Jackson 5 use on "Dancing Machine"?
The guitar on "Dancing Machine" (released 1974) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Dancing Machine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 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 "Dancing Machine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dancing Machine" 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 "Dancing Machine" by The Jackson 5 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.