How to Dial In "Stephanie Says" by The Velvet Underground - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Stephanie Says"
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 VU (1985). VU is an album by the American rock band the Velvet Underground, released on February 2, 1985 by Verve Records and consisting of material recorded in 1968 and 1969. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G6122T Country Gentleman through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for The Velvet Underground's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Stephanie Says" Tone
What guitar did The Velvet Underground use on "Stephanie Says"?
The guitar on "Stephanie Says" (released 1985) 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 "Stephanie Says" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Stephanie Says" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stephanie Says" 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 "Stephanie Says" by The Velvet Underground are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.