How to Dial In "King Of The Surf" by The Trashmen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "King Of The Surf"
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 Surfin' Bird (1964). Surfin' Bird is the debut studio album by the Trashmen, released on January 14, 1964. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb, the rig we use for The Trashmen's other songs from Surfin' Bird, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "King Of The Surf" Tone
What guitar did The Trashmen use on "King Of The Surf"?
The guitar on "King Of The Surf" (released 1964) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "King Of The Surf" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 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 "King Of The Surf" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "King Of The Surf" 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 "King Of The Surf" by The Trashmen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.