auto pilot amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The queens of the stone age guitar tone for “auto pilot”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Rated R (2000)
Ampeg VT-22 or V4 head, Ovation GP preamp for grit, Ovation Ultra GP guitar (hollow body with piezo), possibly Gibson ES-335 or Maton BB1200 on this track — heavy use of low-tuned, thick distortion with compressed midrange
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Presence | 3 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss SD-1 or Tube Screamer clone
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. QOTSA tone relies on stacked gain stages and compression. An SD-1 or TS-style pedal into OD1 will thicken the mids and add that signature compressed sustain. Without this, push amp gain to 8 and accept a looser low-end.
Your Blackstar ID:Core's ISF control is critical here — set it toward British (2 o'clock) to darken the voicing and thicken the mids, matching the Ampeg's naturally warm, non-scooped character. The GRG170DX's Infinity humbuckers are hotter than Homme's semi-hollow guitars, so gain stays at 7 rather than maxed. Treble and presence are pulled back because the original tone has zero high-end sparkle — it's all weight and drone.
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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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