How to Dial In "Adult Books" by X - Guitar Tone Settings
What X Actually Used on "Adult Books"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Wild Gift (1981). A fast Wild Gift track with chopped rhythm guitar and a bright, rockabilly-leaning solo. Guitar World's account of Billy Zoom's tone on X's first records puts him on his 1955 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet through a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master head borrowed from bassist John Doe, with a custom 4x10 cabinet, because his own stage amps were too loud for the studio. Premier Guitar lists a vintage DeArmond volume pedal as his only effect, and it is left out of the rig. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Adult Books" Tone
What guitar did X use on "Adult Books"?
X tracked "Adult Books" on a Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet (released 1981). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Adult Books" need?
On Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, 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 "Adult Books" without a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Adult Books" 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 "Adult Books" by X are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.