How to Dial In "Under the Big Black Sun" by X - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Under the Big Black Sun"
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 Under the Big Black Sun (1982). A slower, darker title track on which the guitar rings and sustains rather than racing. Guitar World's account of Billy Zoom's tone on Los Angeles puts him on his 1955 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet through a Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master head borrowed from bassist John Doe, because his own stage amps were too loud for the studio. That is documented for X's first records, not for this one, so the same rig stands in here. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Under the Big Black Sun" Tone
What guitar did X use on "Under the Big Black Sun"?
The guitar on "Under the Big Black Sun" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Under the Big Black Sun" need?
Settings for this sound: 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 "Under the Big Black Sun" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Under the Big Black Sun" 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 "Under the Big Black Sun" by X are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.