Tennessee whiskey amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX
The Chris Stapleton guitar tone for “Tennessee whiskey”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30CFX with a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s. Studio version, Traveller album (2015) — warm, soulful R&B-influenced tone
1962 Fender Jazzmaster reissue (neck pickup) → Fender '62 Princeton (12W, edge-of-breakup) with spring reverb; minimal pedals, possibly light overdrive (Analogman King of Tone style)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Presence | 3 |
| Reverb | 5 |
| Master | 6 |
01Boss ME-series / GT-series Overdrive block (Blues Driver or Tube Screamer model)
Use as a clean boost to add subtle warmth and compression — not for distortion. If your unit has a 'Natural OD' or 'Warm Drive' setting, use that. Keep drive LOW.
02Boss ME-series / GT-series Reverb block (Spring Reverb model)
Select 'Spring' reverb type if available — this is essential to the vintage Fender character. If amp reverb is sufficient, skip this block.
The MG30CFX is Marshall-voiced (mid-forward, brighter) vs the original Fender Princeton (scooped, warm). Treble dropped from 7 to 4 and bass raised to 7 to compensate for Marshall's inherent brightness. Gain kept at 3 on clean channel because the Princeton's magic is gentle saturation, not crunch—the MG's OD channels would be too harsh. Your Les Paul humbuckers are hotter and warmer than Stapleton's Jazzmaster single coils, so the rolled-back tone knob (5) and lower treble prevent muddiness while retaining warmth.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30CFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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