How to Dial In "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by Tommy James and the Shondells - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Crystal Blue Persuasion"
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 Crimson & Clover (1968). Crimson & Clover is the sixth studio album by American rock band Tommy James and the Shondells. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Tommy James and the Shondells' other songs from Crimson & Clover, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Crystal Blue Persuasion" Tone
What guitar did Tommy James and the Shondells use on "Crystal Blue Persuasion"?
The guitar on "Crystal Blue Persuasion" (released 1968) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Crystal Blue Persuasion" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 5.5, Presence 5, Volume 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 "Crystal Blue Persuasion" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Crystal Blue Persuasion" 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 "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by Tommy James and the Shondells are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.