Tone library / Tokio Hotel / Monsoon

Monsoon amp settings — Gear 4 music S156

The Tokio Hotel guitar tone for “Monsoon”, dialed in for a Gear 4 music S156 with a Stratocaster Fender. Studio version, Scream (2007) / Zimmer 483 (2007)

Original rig

Gibson Les Paul Custom / PRS Custom 24 -> Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 / Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier -> 4x12 Celestion V30 Cab

Punchy modern alternative rock rhythm with aggressive high-gain crunch and tight low-end
Amp settings — Gear 4 music S156
CHANNELOverdrive Channel (Drive Switch ON)
GAIN 8 BASS 6 MID 5 TREBLE 5 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain8
Bass6
Mid5
Treble5
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10
Why these settings

The Gear4music 15W solid-state practice amp has a simple 3-band EQ and no presence or built-in reverb, so those controls are omitted. To approximate Tom Kaulitz's thick dual-humbucker Marshall/Mesa wall of sound using a single-coil Stratocaster, the bridge pickup tone knob is rolled back to 8 to tame high-end shrillness, and the amp's drive channel is pushed high with balanced mids. Keeping bass moderate prevents the small 6.5-inch practice speaker from farting out under high gain.

PRO TIPDig in hard with a heavy gauge pick (1.0mm+) right next to the bridge saddles and strictly use tight downstrokes during the main chorus riffs to get the signature punch and percussive attack.

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These settings are for a Gear 4 music S156. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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