How to Dial In "Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Carol of the Bells"
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 Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996). Christmas Eve and Other Stories is the debut studio album by American symphonic metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig to the one documented for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Carol of the Bells" Tone
What guitar did Trans-Siberian Orchestra use on "Carol of the Bells"?
The guitar on "Carol of the Bells" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Carol of the Bells" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Carol of the Bells" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Carol of the Bells" 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 "Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.