How to Dial In "Maria Elena" by The Smithereens - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Maria Elena"
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 11 (1989). 11 is the third studio album by American rock band The Smithereens, released on 24 October 1989 by Capitol. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The Smithereens' other songs from 11, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Maria Elena" Tone
What guitar did The Smithereens use on "Maria Elena"?
The guitar on "Maria Elena" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Maria Elena" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Maria Elena" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Maria Elena" 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 "Maria Elena" by The Smithereens are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.