How to Dial In "Penetration" by The Pyramids - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Penetration"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender American Professional II JazzmasterSuggested
- AmpFender '65 Twin Reverb ReissueSuggested
- EffectReverbThe unit 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.
Bassist Steve Leonard wrote it, first as "Eyeballs" and modelled on the Chantays' "Pipeline". It was the B-side of the single "Here Comes Marsha", released in October 1963, until a Riverside DJ flipped it. National distribution followed, and it reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, often described as the last major surf instrumental hit. It is on The Pyramids Play the Original Penetration!. The band were Long Beach Poly High students: Skip Mercier on lead and rhythm guitar, Willie Glover on rhythm, Steve Leonard on bass, Tom Pitman on sax and Ron McMullen on drums. Glover went out during the session and Mercier recorded the guitar part before he got back. No source names the guitar, amp or effects. Like "Pipeline", the melody sits on the low strings with a dark, reverb-soaked twang. Use the bridge pickup with the bass up and the mids down, and lots of spring reverb. No transcription of the guitar part could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "Penetration" Tone
What guitar did The Pyramids use on "Penetration"?
The guitar on "Penetration" (released 1963) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Penetration" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Penetration" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Penetration" 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.
What effects are on "Penetration"?
The recording has reverb on it. No source names the unit behind it, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Penetration" by The Pyramids are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.