How to Dial In "Downtown Sundown" by Thin Lizzy - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Downtown Sundown"
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 Bad Reputation (1977). A moody, mid-tempo hard-rock piece with a chiming, melodic guitar part and a singing lead. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Use the neck pickup and set the amp clean and chiming. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Downtown Sundown" Tone
What guitar did Thin Lizzy use on "Downtown Sundown"?
The guitar on "Downtown Sundown" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Downtown Sundown" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Downtown Sundown" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Downtown Sundown" 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 "Downtown Sundown" by Thin Lizzy are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.