How can I recreate the This Masquerade 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.

This Masquerade

Q: What gear was used for the This Masquerade guitar tone?

The available research points to Gibson Johnny Smith into Polytone Mini-Brute. See the full signal chain and individual evidence notes on this page.

Q: What tuning is This Masquerade in?

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

George Benson

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The recording

Recorded in January 1976 at Capitol Studios A in Hollywood, the track was captured in a single take under producer Tommy LiPuma and engineer Al Schmitt. Benson's lead guitar was close‑miked and sits atop a lush string arrangement by Claus Ogerman.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Signal chain

Reported gear

1975 Gibson ES-335

Guitar

Benson’s lead line on 'This Masquerade' was performed with his 1975 Gibson ES‑335, delivering a warm, articulate tone that cuts through the mix.

1963 Fender Twin Reverb

Amplifier

The guitar was routed through a vintage Fender Twin Reverb, providing the clean, spacious headroom heard throughout the track.

Alternatives

Epiphone ES-335

Budget alternative · for the 1975 Gibson ES-335

$500 to $700

Fender '68 Twin Reverb Reissue

Reissue · for the 1963 Fender Twin Reverb

$2,000 to $2,500

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1.Play the melody with a light, rounded pick attack to preserve the warm tone.
2.Use the neck pickup and roll the tone knob back slightly for a smoother midrange.
3.Apply subtle finger vibrato on sustained notes to emulate Benson’s vocal‑like phrasing.
4.Control dynamics with the volume knob to match the vocal swells.

Sources

George Benson Breezin’ Production Notes | Hi‑Fi News George Benson – Gear and Equipment

Frequently asked questions

What gear was used for the This Masquerade guitar tone?

The available research points to 1975 Gibson ES-335 into 1963 Fender Twin Reverb. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.

Are the original This Masquerade 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 This Masquerade 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 This Masquerade 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.