How to Dial In "Brontosaurus" by The Move - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Brontosaurus"
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.
Roy Wood wrote, sang and produced it, and Regal Zonophone released it on 6 March 1970 with "Lightning Never Strikes Twice" on the B-side, as the lead single from the band's third album, Looking On. It reached number 7 in the UK that April and number 36 in Canada. Its aggressive guitar riff and growling vocal were a sharp turn from their pop singles toward the heavier sound of their previous album, Shazam. It was recorded shortly after Jeff Lynne joined, and Wood and Lynne both play guitars, with Bev Bevan on drums and Rick Price on bass; Cheap Trick later covered it. No source names the guitars, amps or effects. Play the heavy riff on the bridge pickup with the amp cranked into a thick overdrive, and dig in. No transcription could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "Brontosaurus" Tone
What guitar did The Move use on "Brontosaurus"?
The guitar on "Brontosaurus" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Brontosaurus" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, 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 "Brontosaurus" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Brontosaurus" 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 "Brontosaurus" by The Move are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.