How to Dial In "Quarter to Midnight" by Tony MacAlpine - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Quarter to Midnight"
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 Edge of Insanity (1986). Edge of Insanity is the first studio album by guitarist Tony MacAlpine, released in 1986 through Shrapnel Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a B.C. Rich Gunslinger Retro through a Peavey 5150, the rig we use for Tony MacAlpine's other songs from Edge of Insanity, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Quarter to Midnight" Tone
What guitar did Tony MacAlpine use on "Quarter to Midnight"?
The guitar on "Quarter to Midnight" (released 1986) 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 "Quarter to Midnight" 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 "Quarter to Midnight" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Quarter to Midnight" 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 "Quarter to Midnight" by Tony MacAlpine are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.