Nightmares by the Sea amp settings — Vox VII X
The Jeff Buckley guitar tone for “Nightmares by the Sea”, dialed in for a Vox VII X with a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s. Studio version, Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk (1998, recorded with Tom Verlaine in Memphis)
1983 Fender Telecaster (Seymour Duncan Hot Rails/Hot Lead Stack) / Gibson Les Paul Custom, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier / Tremoverb & Fender Vibroverb, Boss DF-2 / Overdrive
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 6 |
01Overdrive (Tube Screamer / Boss OD style)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; to tighten and focus the rhythm drive
Buckley relied on high-output bridge pickups into cranked Mesa/Boogie grit for his heavy tracks. On the Vox modeling circuit, the UK Rock / High-Gain model provides the required compression, while slightly pulling bass prevents your Les Paul's thicker humbuckers from turning muddy. Presence is omitted as it is not an independent knob on the VT/VX series faceplate.
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These settings are for a Vox VII X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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