How can I recreate the Bra tone on my own amp?

Start from the reported guitar, pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order, then translate that target to your own equipment. ToneTwin models the controls for the amp and pedals you actually choose.

Bra

Q: What tuning is Bra in?

The research record lists the tuning as Standard. Check the cited evidence and correction note if the recording has competing published accounts.

Cymande

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The recording

Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, London, in 1972, produced by John Schroeder. The band, including guitarist Patrick Patterson, recorded live to capture a raw, uninhibited interaction between instruments, emphasizing clarity and space in the arrangement.

Tuning Standard

Signal chain

Original gear

Gibson (likely) Semi-hollowbody Electric

Guitar · Riff

The tone is characterized by a percussive, woody, and chimey quality consistent with a semi-hollow body.

Vox / Marshall (studio standard) Tube Combo

Amp · Riff

De Lane Lea Studios era equipment typical of their clean, articulate funk production.

Sources

Cymande - Bra / The Message (Songfacts)Cymande: Getting It Back - Uncut Magazine Cymande: The British Funk Legends - High Road Touring

Frequently asked questions

What gear was used for the Bra guitar tone?

The available research points to Gibson (likely) Semi-hollowbody Electric into Vox / Marshall (studio standard) Tube Combo. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.

Are the original Bra amp settings documented?

Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.

What tuning is Bra in?

The current research record lists Standard. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.

How do I recreate the Bra tone on my own gear?

Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.

Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.