Author Topic: How would you go about getting THIS tone? (Kansas content) (Read 3920 times)

TwilightOdyssey · « **on:** August 27, 2007, 09:12:44 PM »

Kansas is one of my all-time favourite bands.

I absolutely love the tone on this song, Miracles Out Of Nowhere: it's molten slabs of 70s rock tone.

http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplayer.m3u?id=5714756&q=hi

I usually have a good idea of what pickups will achieve what tone, but I'm lost with this one. So, any ideas?

Also, any guitar suggestions would be appreciated. I have a feeling that you need an SG, but I'm not sure.

HELP! :)

lifted · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2007, 03:37:32 AM »

Man, that is a tough tone to grasp! I keep thinking overwound mule, but what do I know. It would have to be the most naturally sustaining pickups that Tim makes, though. If it where me I would ask Tim to start with the Mule, listen to the clip, and custom-scatter wind accordingly. 8)
I am hearing SG as well, but I am less sure about guitar type. Good Luck!

Watsonica · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2007, 07:38:53 AM »

Oddly I'd bet that there are several of BKP humbuckers that can get that tone, pin pointing the exact one is going to boil down to your personal preferences tho, having had quite a few of the vintage SG's I'd say the "Mule" or something similar...I did take note that it sounded like a wah pedal was employed on that recording, possibly used as one setting?

PhilKing · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:54:08 AM »

I think they might be using a Fender amp with just a regular humbucker and quite a lot of power amp gain to give the cleaner distortion. Guitar wise, I could probably get the sound from my 335 with Stormy Mondays or the LP with PG's. You could even push it up to the Riff Raff and Emerald depending on the guitar they are in. I'm thinking though that the sound is more SG. Next time you're round you should try the PRS with mules, that might nail it.

I think there is a wah there too.

_tom_ · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2007, 01:02:41 PM »

I think that with the right amp a Mule'd LP or SG could get that tone, it doesnt sound that out of the ordinary to me :?

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2007, 03:55:06 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

I it doesnt sound that out of the ordinary to me

You're wrong. ;)

Woogie · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:16:09 PM »

I don't think Tom's opinion can be wrong... it's an opinion after all!!

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:16:48 PM »

Quote from: Woogie

I don't think Tom's opinion can be wrong... it's an opinion after all!!

sambo, is that you? :roll:

_tom_ · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:36:50 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Quote from: _tom_
I it doesnt sound that out of the ordinary to me

You're wrong. ;)

Not trying to start an argument or something, but I just dont see what makes it sound different to many other rock tones really? :?

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:43:12 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: _tom_
I it doesnt sound that out of the ordinary to me

You're wrong. ;)

Not trying to start an argument or something, but I just dont see what makes it sound different to many other rock tones really? :?

I was just being cheeky, _tom_. (hence the wink)

Ya know ... levity?!! :orcass:

_tom_ · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:50:58 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Quote from: _tom_
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Quote from: _tom_
I it doesnt sound that out of the ordinary to me

You're wrong. ;)

Not trying to start an argument or something, but I just dont see what makes it sound different to many other rock tones really? :?

I was just being cheeky, _tom_. (hence the wink)

Ya know ... levity?!! :orcass:

I thought so, sarcasm doesnt work well over the internet does it :P

shaman · « **Reply #11 on:** August 29, 2007, 01:09:22 AM »

ok..if Kerry Livgren played the lead(was this from LEFTOVERTURE?), he did play a les paul deluxe on occasion,as well as 335 and an SG with soapbars ..marshall 100 watter plugged straight in and JACKED!!!!

hunter · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2007, 08:15:35 AM »

Hmm, good hint Jon, sounds like P90s or mini humbuckers. An SG or similar with P90s could get that tone I think, at least I guess I could get close with my BKP-92 equipped LP Special. Amp wise I think it's not a Marshall, it's darker or at least lacking that upper mids grind. Might be an early boogie or as Phil said a Fender.

I also think there is a kind of (treble) booster in the game, as at least I get this kind of sustain and harmonics only when I boost my amps.

sgmypod · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2007, 02:56:29 PM »

great song....got to love kansas..cheesy but still great

The Silverwulf · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2007, 05:07:05 PM »

I think I'd focus more on the amp than the pickups. With the appropriate amp, you could prob dial in tone that close with a good majority of decent pickups.