How to Dial In "Back Stabbers" by The O'Jays - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Back Stabbers"
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 Back Stabbers (1972). Back Stabbers is the sixth studio album by Philadelphia soul group the O'Jays, released in August 1972 by Philadelphia International Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The O'Jays' other songs from Back Stabbers, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck+middle pickups together.
Common Questions About the "Back Stabbers" Tone
What guitar did The O'Jays use on "Back Stabbers"?
The guitar on "Back Stabbers" (released 1972) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Back Stabbers" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 4. 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 "Back Stabbers" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Back Stabbers" 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 "Back Stabbers" by The O'Jays are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.