How to Dial In "Ballad of the Beacon" by Wishbone Ash - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ballad of the Beacon"
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 Wishbone Four (1973). Wishbone Four is the fourth studio album by British rock band Wishbone Ash, released on 11 May 1973 by MCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Wishbone Ash's other songs from Wishbone Four, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Ballad of the Beacon" Tone
What guitar did Wishbone Ash use on "Ballad of the Beacon"?
The guitar on "Ballad of the Beacon" (released 1973) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Ballad of the Beacon" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Ballad of the Beacon" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ballad of the Beacon" 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 "Ballad of the Beacon" by Wishbone Ash are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.