Carry on my wayvard son amp settings — KOZMOS Flare-40
The Kansas guitar tone for “Carry on my wayvard son”, dialed in for a KOZMOS Flare-40 with a Gibson SG Modern. Studio version, Leftoverture (1976)
Marshall amplifier (likely JMP/Super Lead era), Gibson guitars (ES-335/Les Paul), minimal pedals — tone came from amp pushed into breakup
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 5 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 6 |
The KOZMOS Flare-40 is a budget solid-state amp, so it won't naturally compress and break up like Kerry Livgren's pushed Marshall. Compensate by keeping gain moderate (5) rather than cranking it — solid-state distortion gets fizzy when pushed too hard. The SG Modern's humbuckers are hotter than a 70s Gibson, so gain stays conservative. Mid at 7 is critical to capture that prog-rock vocal quality in the guitar tone.
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These settings are for a KOZMOS Flare-40. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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