How to Dial In "Don't Kill the Whale" by Yes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Kill the Whale"
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 Tormato (1978). Tormato is the ninth studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released on 22 September 1978 by Atlantic Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-175 through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Yes' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Don't Kill the Whale" Tone
What guitar did Yes use on "Don't Kill the Whale"?
The guitar on "Don't Kill the Whale" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-175 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Don't Kill the Whale" 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 "Don't Kill the Whale" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Kill the Whale" 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 "Don't Kill the Whale" by Yes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.