Heroes amp settings — Harley Benton HB-10G
The David Bowie guitar tone for “Heroes”, dialed in for a Harley Benton HB-10G with a Harley Benton SC 400 SBK. Studio version, Heroes (1977) — Robert Fripp's signature sustained lead motif
1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom -> Burns Buzzaround / Guild Foxey Lady fuzz -> EMS Synthi A (filtering by Brian Eno) -> cranked Hiwatt amplifier stack running at extreme volume for controlled harmonic feedback
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Master | 5 |
01Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (or fuzz)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for replicating Fripp's infinite singing sustain without cranked-stack feedback
The HB-10G has a 3-band EQ but lacks presence and reverb controls, so both are nulled. Because you do not own a fuzz pedal and cannot achieve 120dB studio acoustic feedback, use the HB-10G's built-in Overdrive channel with gain pushed to 7 to generate compression and sustain. Fripp's top end was rolled off via Eno's EMS Synthi A filter, so keep treble pulled back to 4 and mids elevated at 7 to prevent the small 6-inch speaker from sounding harsh. If you add the recommended Big Muff, switch the amp to Clean with gain at 2.
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These settings are for a Harley Benton HB-10G. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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