How to Dial In "Don't Bring Me Down" by The Pretty Things - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Bring Me Down"
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.
Johnny Dee wrote it, and Fontana released it on 16 October 1964 with "We'll Be Together" on the B-side; it reached number 10 in the UK and number 34 in Canada, and it was added to the North American version of the band's debut album. David Bowie covered it on Pin Ups in 1973. Dick Taylor played lead guitar and Brian Pendleton rhythm, with Phil May singing, John Stax on bass and Viv Prince on drums. No source names the guitar, amp or effects. The guitars are raw and gritty British R&B: play the riff on the bridge pickup with the amp pushed into crunch, and hit the stops hard. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Don't Bring Me Down" Tone
What guitar did The Pretty Things use on "Don't Bring Me Down"?
The guitar on "Don't Bring Me Down" (released 1964) 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 "Don't Bring Me Down" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Don't Bring Me Down" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Bring Me Down" 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 "Don't Bring Me Down" by The Pretty Things are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.