How to Dial In "Rat Race" by The Specials - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rat Race"
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 More Specials (1980). More Specials is the second album by English ska band the Specials, released by 2 Tone Records in September 1980. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for The Specials' 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 "Rat Race" Tone
What guitar did The Specials use on "Rat Race"?
The guitar on "Rat Race" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rat Race" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Rat Race" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rat Race" 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 "Rat Race" by The Specials are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.