Tone library / Michael Jackson / Chicago

Chicago amp settings — Leo jaymz Mini

The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Chicago”, dialed in for a Leo jaymz Mini with a Leo jaymz Fender stratocaster. Studio version, Xscape (2014) — originally recorded 1999 at The Hit Factory, NYC

Original rig

Acoustic steel-string guitar (likely a Gibson J-45 or similar dreadnought based on Dan Warner's typical session rig), recorded direct or through a warm preamp with minimal processing

Warm, clean, round acoustic-style tone with subdued highs and smooth midrange — quiet storm R&B ballad feel

Amp settings — Leo jaymz Mini

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	6
Mid	5
Treble	3
Presence	0
Reverb	3
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPneck TONE4 VOLUME7

Why these settings

The original is an acoustic guitar, so your Strat needs to simulate that warm, rounded character. Neck pickup with tone rolled to 4 cuts the Strat's inherent brightness. Treble dropped to 3 and bass at 6 mimics the body resonance of an acoustic. Gain at 2 keeps it pristine clean — any breakup destroys the vibe.

PRO TIPPick near the neck joint (over the end of the fretboard) rather than near the bridge — this physically darkens your attack and gets closer to the soft, round transient of an acoustic steel-string.

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These settings are for a Leo jaymz Mini. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.