Sultans of swing amp settings — Orange Crush 20
The Dire straits guitar tone for “Sultans of swing”, dialed in for a Orange Crush 20 with a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster. Studio version, Dire Straits (1978)
1961 Fender Stratocaster (middle+bridge) into 1961 Fender Vibrolux / Twin Reverb with Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer compressor and studio plate reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 8 |
| Master | 5 |
01Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer (Compressor)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; adds the signature percussive squash and sustain on clean fingerpicking
The Orange Crush 20 is naturally warm and mid-heavy compared to Knopfler's crystalline Fender Twin/Vibrolux platform. Keep the amp strictly on the Clean channel with gain at 2 for zero breakup, cut the bass and mids to mimic the Fender scooped EQ, and push treble to 8 to recover the top-end quack. With an external compressor pedal in front, keep amp settings identical to clamp the fingerpicked attack.
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These settings are for a Orange Crush 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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