Blue On Black amp settings — Fender Blues Junior IV
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd guitar tone for “Blue On Black”, dialed in for a Fender Blues Junior IV with a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster. Studio lead guitar solo, Trouble Is... (1997)
1961 Fender Stratocaster -> Roger Mayer / Tycobrahe Octavia -> TS808 / Klon Centaur -> 1964 Fender Vibroverb / '65 Twin Reverb / Vibro-King
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 4 |
01Roger Mayer Octavia (or Chicago Iron Octavian / MXR Sub Machine)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for the signature harmonic octave-up fuzz bite on this solo
02Ibanez TS9 / TS808 Tube Screamer
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; stacks after the Octavia to smooth fuzz fizz and add sustain
The studio lead tone centers on an analog Octavia pushing cranked Blackface Fenders; without external pedals, engage the 'FAT' boost switch and push the Blues Junior IV preamp gain to 8 for maximum natural saturation. Set the mid control to 7 to inject the punchy body an EL84 combo needs to emulate KWS's big 6L6 Fender rig, while pulling treble down to 5 so your single coils stay smooth rather than spiky. When you add the recommended Octavia pedal, turn the FAT boost off, lower amp gain to 3, and let the pedal generate the signature octave fuzz.
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These settings are for a Fender Blues Junior IV. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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