How to Dial In "Dance On!" by The Shadows - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Dance On!"
- GuitarStratocasterModern equivalent: Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster
- AmpAC30Modern equivalent: Vox AC30 C2
- EffectDrum echoVox Echo (SEP drum echo)
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The Shadows' fourth UK number one, also number one in Ireland. It was written by Valerie Murtagh, Elaine Murtagh and Ray Adams, who were the vocal group the Avons. The band recorded it at EMI Studios on 21 November 1962 with Norrie Paramor, and it was released on 7 December with "All Day" on the B-side. Hank Marvin plays the lead, with Bruce Welch on acoustic rhythm guitar, Brian Locking on bass and Brian Bennett on drums. Marvin's guitars in this period were rosewood-board Stratocasters supplied by Jennings, swapped for new ones as they got knocked about. His amp was a Vox AC30 and his echo was the Vox-badged SEP drum unit he used from 1961 to 1964. The melody is bright and bouncy, played on the bridge pickup with the trem arm shading the held notes. Keep the amp clean, with just the hint of break-up Marvin describes on his records, and blend the echo in under the line. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Dance On!" Tone
What guitar did The Shadows use on "Dance On!"?
The Shadows tracked "Dance On!" on a Stratocaster (released 1962). The Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Dance On!" need?
On an AC30: Gain 2.5, Bass 4.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 5.5. 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 "Dance On!" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dance On!" 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 "Dance On!"?
The recording has drum echo on it. 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 "Dance On!" by The Shadows are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.