The Best of Times amp settings — Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
The Dream Theater guitar tone for “The Best of Times”, dialed in for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with a Sterling by Music Man JP60. Studio version, Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009) — iconic outro solo
Mesa Boogie Mark V (Channel 3 Mark IIC+ mode) + Music Man JP BFR (DiMarzio Crunch Lab/LiquiFire) + TC Electronic 2290 digital delay + studio reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Master | 4 |
01Digital Delay (TC Electronic Flashback / DD-8 style)
RECOMMENDED — not owned (essential for the signature soaring Petrucci solo sound; set delay to ~450ms in FX loop)
The original tone relies on Petrucci's Mesa Mark V in IIC+ mode, which has a focused, mid-heavy lead voice compared to the Rectifier's natural low-end sag and scooped character. Setting Channel 3 to Vintage mode with Tube Rectification warms up the attack, pushing mids to 7 restores vocal presence, and keeping bass at 4 prevents the Recto low-end from becoming muddy during fast runs. For the aggressive bridge-pickup phrases in the solo, flip the toggle to bridge pickup without changing amp settings.
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These settings are for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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