Vox VT40+ settings
Hysteria settings for Vox VT40+
Muse · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Muse "Hysteria" riff tone on a Vox VT40+, select the UK Rock Special preset, then set Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Reverb 1.5, Power level 8. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-06-19
- Preset / mode
- UK Rock Special
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox VT40+ knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 1.5
- Power level
- 8
Built-in effects
- Reverb off
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a low level for depth.
- Experiment with the power level to find the sweet spot for your volume and tone.
- Use the bridge pickup for a tighter, more aggressive sound.
Solo settings
updated 2026-06-19
- Preset / mode
- UK Rock Standard
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox VT40+ knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0
- Power level
- 8
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in delay set to a moderate level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Engage the chorus effect for added depth and modulation to your solo.
- Experiment with the power level to find the sweet spot for headroom and saturation.
The original rig
What Muse used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox VT40+ actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson SG Standard (red, used by Matt Bellamy on Absolution recording)
- Amp
- Unknown exact model (no direct source for amp used on 'Hysteria' studio recording; likely Marshall or similar British high-gain amp typical for Muse in this era, but not confirmed in sources)
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Hysteria adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Muse's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Vox VT40+ for Hysteria?
Start from the UK Rock Special preset, then set Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Reverb 1.5, Power level 8.
Which pickup should I use for Hysteria?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Muse use on Hysteria?
Guitar: Gibson SG Standard (red, used by Matt Bellamy on Absolution recording). Amp: Unknown exact model (no direct source for amp used on 'Hysteria' studio recording; likely Marshall or similar British high-gain amp typical for Muse in this era, but not confirmed in sources).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Hysteria on other amps
Popular songs on the Vox VT40+
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Run To You · Bryan Adams
- Black · Sevendust
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.