How to Dial In "Brand New Cadillac" by Vince Taylor and His Playboys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Brand New Cadillac"
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.
Vince Taylor wrote it, and it first came out in April 1959 as the B-side of his Parlophone single "Pledgin' My Love" (R4539). It did nothing in Britain but became a hit across continental Europe through cover versions, and the Clash revived it on London Calling in 1979. The players on the record were Joe Moretti on guitars, Lou Brian on piano, Brian Locking on bass and Brian Bennett on drums; Moretti cut it with Taylor in the spring of 1959. No source names the guitar, amp or effects. The riff is a stomping low-string figure: play it on the bridge pickup with the amp turned up to a raw edge, and hit the stops hard. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Brand New Cadillac" Tone
What guitar did Vince Taylor and His Playboys use on "Brand New Cadillac"?
The guitar on "Brand New Cadillac" (released 1959) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Brand New Cadillac" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Brand New Cadillac" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Brand New Cadillac" 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 "Brand New Cadillac" by Vince Taylor and His Playboys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.