Bohémien rapsody amp settings — Roland Cube 40GX
The Queen guitar tone for “Bohémien rapsody”, dialed in for a Roland Cube 40GX with a Yamaha Pacifica 112V. Studio version, A Night at the Opera (1975)
Brian May Red Special (Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, bridge+middle in series) → Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster → Vox AC30 Top Boost, cranked
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 3 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 8 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01TC Electronic Spark Booster or Danelectro CTO-1 Transparent Overdrive
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. A treble booster is essential for the Brian May sound; the Rangemaster adds upper-harmonic bite that pushes the amp into singing overdrive. Budget option: Danelectro CTO-1 (~$30) set bright.
The Cube 40GX's CRUNCH model (Black Panel) approximates the AC30's Class A chime better than the JC Clean or Lead channels. Treble pushed to 8 compensates for your Pacifica's Alnico V single coils being warmer than May's ceramic Tri-Sonics. Mid at 7 replicates the AC30's midrange presence. Without a treble booster pedal, the tone will lack the harmonic sparkle and compression that defines May's sound—this is the single most important missing element.
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These settings are for a Roland Cube 40GX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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