Tone library / Elton John / I'm Still Standing

I'm Still Standing amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII

The Elton John guitar tone for “I'm Still Standing”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a PRS SE Custom 24. Studio version, Too Low for Zero (1983) — Davey Johnstone rhythm & lead tracks

Original rig

Davey Johnstone: Fender Stratocaster / Gibson Les Paul into Marshall JCM800 / Mesa Boogie amps with Boss CE-2 Chorus and light tape delay

Punchy, compressed 80s pop-rock crunch with distinctive analog chorus modulation
Amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
CHANNELCrunch amp typeBOOSToff
GAIN 5 BASS 4 MID 6 TREBLE 7 REVERB 2 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain5
Bass4
Mid6
Treble7
Reverb2
Master5
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge+middle TONE9 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Onboard MOD (Chorus)

Enable the Katana's onboard Chorus via the MOD knob

Rate 4 · Depth 6 · Level 5

02Boss CS-3 Compressor

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned

Level 6 · Tone 5 · Attack 5 · Sustain 6
Why these settings

The Katana's Crunch model provides the classic British pop-rock edge without getting oversaturated. Setting the PRS to the middle (coil-split or dual humbucker) position recreates Davey Johnstone's bright, percussive attack, while pushing the amp treble to 7 compensates for humbucker warmth. Presence is null because the Katana 50 MkII panel lacks a physical presence knob.

PRO TIPUse tight, palm-muted staccato downstrokes on the rhythm chugs to get that precise, snappy 1983 dance-rock pulse.

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These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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