Killer Queen amp settings — Vox AC30C2

The Queen guitar tone for “Killer Queen”, dialed in for a Vox AC30C2 with a Gibson Les Paul Classic. Studio version, Sheer Heart Attack (1974) multi-tracked solo and harmony parts

Original rig

Red Special (Burns Tri-Sonic pickups in series) -> Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster -> Vox AC30

Mid-focused, singing vintage British chime with rich harmonic upper-mid sustain

Amp settings — Vox AC30C2

CHANNELTop Boost

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	4
Treble	7
Reverb	2
Master	6

Don’t have a Vox AC30C2? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME9

Signal chain

01Dallas Rangemaster / Naga Viper Treble Booster

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; set Tone Cut on the amp to 3

Boost 8

Why these settings

The AC30C2 lacks dedicated mid and presence knobs on its faceplate, shaping mids interactively via the Treble and Bass controls alongside the Master Tone Cut. Because your Les Paul humbuckers deliver thicker low-end and less glass than Brian May's Tri-Sonics, bass is cut to 4 and treble pushed to 7 to prevent low-end mud. A recommended Treble Booster pushes the chime, keeping amp gain low to prevent flubby saturation.

PRO TIPPick with a vintage sixpence or heavy metallic coin held at a slight angle close to the bridge to emulate May's distinctive metallic attack and chime.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Vox AC30C2. 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.