How to Dial In "Astral Traveller" by Yes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Astral Traveller"
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 Time and a Word (1970). Time and a Word is the second studio album by English rock band Yes, first released in the UK on 24 July 1970 and in the US on 2 November 1970 by Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Yes' other songs from Time and a Word, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Astral Traveller" Tone
What guitar did Yes use on "Astral Traveller"?
The guitar on "Astral Traveller" (released 1970) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Astral Traveller" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Astral Traveller" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Astral Traveller" 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 "Astral Traveller" by Yes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.