(Oh) Pretty Woman amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Van Halen guitar tone for “(Oh) Pretty Woman”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Squire Bullet. Studio version, Diver Down (1982)
Modified Marshall Super Lead 100W (Plexi) with Variac, Frankenstrat with single DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker, MXR Phase 90, MXR Flanger, Echoplex
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
01Boss Katana Built-in Phaser (via Tone Studio or panel)
Use the Katana's built-in Phaser effect — set to subtle, not dramatic swoosh. This replicates the MXR Phase 90 texture throughout the track.
The Katana's Brown channel models a cranked Plexi, making it the correct starting point. Eddie's tone was mid-heavy with controlled bass — your Squier's single coils are brighter and lower output than his Super Distortion humbucker, so I've pushed gain +1 higher than typical EVH settings and rolled treble back slightly to compensate for the single coil brightness. Mid at 7 captures that nasal bark.
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These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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