How to Dial In "Run Run Run" by The Velvet Underground - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Run Run Run"
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.
A track on The Velvet Underground & Nico, released in March 1967 and produced by Andy Warhol, a blues-based rocker with Lou Reed's raw, rhythmic riff and a ragged, noisy lead break. The playing is rough and stripped-back, with a mid-gain, slightly broken-up amp tone. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gretsch Country Gentleman through a Deluxe Reverb stands in. Use the bridge pickup and a rough, driven clean tone.
Common Questions About the "Run Run Run" Tone
What guitar did The Velvet Underground use on "Run Run Run"?
The guitar on "Run Run Run" (released 1967) isn't documented; the Gretsch G6122T Country Gentleman above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Run Run Run" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, 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 "Run Run Run" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Run Run Run" 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 "Run Run Run" by The Velvet Underground are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.