Sultans of Swing amp settings — Boss ME-80
The Dire Straits guitar tone for “Sultans of Swing”, dialed in for a Boss ME-80 with a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster. Studio version, Dire Straits debut album (1978)
1961 Fender Stratocaster (middle+bridge position 4) into Fender Vibrolux or Music Man HD130, no pedals
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 6 |
01ME-80 COMP block (COMP)
Subtle squeeze to replicate vintage optical studio compression and enhance fingerstyle snap
02ME-80 DELAY block (ANALOG)
Faint slapback echo mirroring studio plate/tape ambience
The Boss ME-80's CLEAN TWIN model provides the pristine Fender headroom heard on the original track. On a two-pickup Telecaster, selecting the middle position (bridge + neck) captures the necessary quacky, hollow 'in-between' character of Knopfler's Strat position 4. Treble is pushed to 7 on the preamp to retain top-end sparkle without becoming harsh on the Telecaster bridge pickup.
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These settings are for a Boss ME-80. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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