Sultans of swing amp settings — Fender Champion 20
The Mark knofler guitar tone for “Sultans of swing”, dialed in for a Fender Champion 20 with a Squier Affinity Telecaster. Studio version, Dire Straits (1978 self-titled debut)
1961 Fender Stratocaster (bridge+middle out-of-phase position) -> Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer compressor -> 1961 brownface Fender Vibrolux 6G11 (Bright channel) / Fender Twin Reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 5 |
01Compressor (Ross / Dyna Comp / Orange Squeezer style)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; adds the studio track's signature percussive attack and smooth sustain
The Fender Champion 20 faceplate lacks a middle EQ knob and presence control, so both are omitted. Set the Champion's Voice knob to the clean Blackface '65 Twin setting with low gain to preserve maximum headroom and chime. On a Telecaster, select the middle switch position (neck + bridge) to replicate the Stratocaster's hollow out-of-phase notch sound as closely as possible.
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These settings are for a Fender Champion 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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