How to Dial In "The Actor" by The Moody Blues - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Actor"
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 In Search of the Lost Chord (1968). In Search of the Lost Chord is the third album by the Moody Blues, released in July 1968 on the Deram label. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for The Moody Blues' other songs from In Search of the Lost Chord, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Actor" Tone
What guitar did The Moody Blues use on "The Actor"?
The guitar on "The Actor" (released 1968) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Actor" 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 "The Actor" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Actor" 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 "The Actor" by The Moody Blues are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.