How to Dial In "Time to Live" by Uriah Heep - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Time to Live"
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 Salisbury (1971). Salisbury is the second studio album by English rock band Uriah Heep, released in January 1971 by Vertigo Records in the UK and Mercury Records in the US. It was produced by Gerry Bron. 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 Salisbury, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Time to Live" Tone
What guitar did Uriah Heep use on "Time to Live"?
The guitar on "Time to Live" (released 1971) 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 "Time to Live" 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 "Time to Live" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Time to Live" 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 "Time to Live" by Uriah Heep are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.