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Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
Recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville during the winter of 2016‑17, the track was produced by Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton. Stapleton’s electric part was played on a 2017 Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster, set to the neck pickup and tuned to standard E‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E.
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Signal chain
Reported gear
2017 Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster
Guitar
Stapleton recorded the electric parts on a 2017 Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster, using the neck pickup for a warm, rounded tone that sits behind the vocal.
1965 Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue
Amp
The guitar was run through a Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb Reissue combo, set low so the amp’s natural breakup and spring reverb provide the track’s signature warmth.
Alternatives
Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster
Budget alternative · for the 2017 Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster
Fender Blues Junior
Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Select the neck pickup on the Jazzmaster for a warm, rounded tone.
- 2.Set the amp volume low and keep the gain modest to let the amp’s natural breakup add subtle overdrive.
- 3.Engage the Princeton’s spring reverb to fill the mix with a smooth ambience.
- 4.Play with a light finger‑style or gentle picking, allowing the guitar’s sustain to bloom through the amp’s breakup.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Broken Halos guitar tone?
The available research points to 2017 Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster into 1965 Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Broken Halos 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 Broken Halos in?
The current research record lists Standard (E A D G B E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Broken Halos 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.
