Tone library / Boston / Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back amp settings — Boss GT-1

The Boston guitar tone for “Don't Look Back”, dialed in for a Boss GT-1 with a Jackson JS22 Dinky. Studio version, Don't Look Back (1978) — signature main intro/rhythm riff

Original rig

1968 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge humbucker) -> modified 100W Marshall Super Lead (cranked into prototype Power Soak attenuator) -> custom Graphic EQ boost (500Hz-800Hz hump) -> custom analog delay/chorus doubler

Highly saturated, compressed arena rock crunch with signature vocal mid-hump and doubler widening
Amp settings — Boss GT-1
CHANNELBoss GT-1 Preamp Block: 'MS1959 I+II' (Plexi model) with 4x12 Original CabBOOSToff
GAIN 10 BASS 10 MID 10 TREBLE 10 PRESENCE 10 REVERB 10 MASTER 10
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain10
Bass10
Mid10
Treble10
Presence10
Reverb10
Master10
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01FX1/OD: T-SCREAM

Used as a tight front-end mid-boost into the Plexi model

Drive 2 · Tone 5 · Level 8

02FX2: GRAPHIC EQ

Placed after preamp to create the signature Scholz 800Hz cocked-wah resonance

Low Mid 8 · High Mid 9 · Level 5

03MOD/CHORUS: STEREO CHORUS

Slow, subtle doubler chorus to replicate the layered studio stereo tracking

Rate 2 · Depth 3 · E.Level 4

04DELAY: ANALOG

Very short slapback (approx 120ms) for space

D.Time 3 · F.Back 2 · E.Level 2
Why these settings

Scholz achieved his iconic sound with an attenuated cranked Plexi and aggressive midrange equalization around 800Hz. The GT-1's MS1959 model replicates the Marshall power-amp saturation, while the onboard Tube Screamer and post-amp Graphic EQ focus the Jackson's ceramic bridge humbucker into that nasal, singing Boston voice. Chorus and a short analog delay complete the signature stereo studio spread.

PRO TIPPick firmly right next to the bridge saddles and keep your palm lightly grazing the low strings to make the picked double-stops sound punchy and focused like Tom Scholz's tracked rhythms.

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These settings are for a Boss GT-1. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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