How to Dial In "Hundreds of Thousands" by Tony MacAlpine - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hundreds of Thousands"
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 Maximum Security (1987). His second studio album, produced by Mike Varney and recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California, it was released through PolyGram in 1987. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a B.C. Rich Gunslinger Retro through a Peavey 5150, the nearest rig to the one documented for Tony MacAlpine, stands in. Set the amp to a driven crunch and use the pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hundreds of Thousands" Tone
What guitar did Tony MacAlpine use on "Hundreds of Thousands"?
The guitar on "Hundreds of Thousands" (released 1987) isn't documented; the B.C. Rich Gunslinger Retro above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hundreds of Thousands" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, 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 "Hundreds of Thousands" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hundreds of Thousands" 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 "Hundreds of Thousands" by Tony MacAlpine are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.