Tone library / Queen / Dont stop me now

Dont stop me now amp settings — Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII

The Queen guitar tone for “Dont stop me now”, dialed in for a Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII with a Sire t3. Studio version solo, Jazz (1978)

Original rig

Red Special (bridge+middle in-series/in-phase or out-of-phase) -> Dallas Rangemaster / Fryer Treble Booster -> Vox AC30 (Normal Channel cranked) / John Deacon 'Deacy' Amp

Saturated, singing vocal-like British lead with sharp upper-mid bite and tight low end
Amp settings — Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII
CHANNELOverdrive Channel (Classic / British voice, ISF at 7)BOOSToff
GAIN 7 BASS 4 MID 8 TREBLE 7 REVERB 2 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass4
Mid8
Treble7
Reverb2
Master5
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Guitar
PICKUPneck+middle TONE8 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Treble Booster (Rangemaster / Fryer style)

RECOMMENDED — not owned

Boost 8
Why these settings

To replicate Brian May's singing treble-boosted AC30 lead without pedals, use the HT Club 40 MkII Overdrive channel with the ISF turned clockwise toward 7 for British warmth. Keep the mids pushed high (8) and cut the bass (4) to simulate the frequency-shaping of a Dallas Rangemaster into EL34/EL84 power tubes. When playing the Telecaster single coils, rolling the tone knob slightly to 8 tames excessive Tele bridge icepick while keeping the vocal chirp intact.

PRO TIPPick using a rigid coin (like an old sixpence or nickel) held close to the edge near the bridge to get Brian May's signature metallic chirp and harmonic bite.

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These settings are for a Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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