How to Dial In "Prima Donna" by Uriah Heep - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Prima Donna"
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 Return to Fantasy (1975). Return to Fantasy is the eighth studio album by English rock band Uriah Heep, released on 13 June 1975 by Bronze Records in the UK and Warner Bros. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Black Beauty through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Uriah Heep's other songs from Return to Fantasy, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Prima Donna" Tone
What guitar did Uriah Heep use on "Prima Donna"?
The guitar on "Prima Donna" (released 1975) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Black Beauty above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Prima Donna" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Prima Donna" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Prima Donna" 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 "Prima Donna" by Uriah Heep are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.