How to Dial In "Food for Thought" by UB40 - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Food for Thought"
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 Signing Off (1980). Signing Off is the debut album by British reggae band UB40, released in the UK on 29 August 1980 by Dudley-based independent label Graduate Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Standard Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for UB40's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck and middle pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Food for Thought" Tone
What guitar did UB40 use on "Food for Thought"?
The guitar on "Food for Thought" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Fender American Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Food for Thought" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "Food for Thought" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Food for Thought" 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 "Food for Thought" by UB40 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.