GuitarCleanSolo
Don't Take Me Alive Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Steely Dan
Steely Dan · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson 1968 ES-335
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (late 1960s, likely patent number or T-top)
Amp
Fender 'Wide Panel Tweed' Deluxe 5C3 (1953-1955)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1976. Used for Steely Dan's 'Don't Take Me Alive' solo section. Carlton states he used this amp only for Royal Scam/Aja/Nightfly sessions. No pedals, just guitar into amp. No evidence of effects loop or outboard effects for the clean tone. Volume set low (around 2-3 on amp), guitar volume maxed.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb1.5
Treble7.5
Presence5.5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- clean and articulate
- warm midrange
- slightly compressed attack
- touch-sensitive response
- bright but not harsh
- dynamic and expressive
- clear note separation
- no audible reverb or delay
- classic 70s studio clarity
- bridge pickup bite