How to Dial In "South of the Border" by The Shadows - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "South of the Border"
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 Out of the Shadows (1962). Out of the Shadows is a 1962 rock album by British group The Shadows. The album's article lists a Fender Stratocaster (Red Fiesta) and three Vox AC30 amplifiers among the instruments used across the sessions, but no source we found ties them to this particular recording, so a Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig we use for The Shadows' other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "South of the Border" Tone
What guitar did The Shadows use on "South of the Border"?
The guitar on "South of the Border" (released 1962) isn't documented; the Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "South of the Border" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 4, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 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 "South of the Border" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "South of the Border" 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 "South of the Border" by The Shadows are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.