How to Dial In "Polaroids of Polar Bears" by Alexisonfire - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Polaroids of Polar Bears"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Alexisonfire (2002). Alexisonfire is the debut studio album from Canadian post-hardcore band Alexisonfire, released on October 31, 2002. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Junior through a Marshall JCM2000 TSL100, the rig we use for Alexisonfire's other songs from Alexisonfire, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the single pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Polaroids of Polar Bears" Tone
What guitar did Alexisonfire use on "Polaroids of Polar Bears"?
The guitar on "Polaroids of Polar Bears" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Junior above gets the sound. Pickup selector: single pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Polaroids of Polar Bears" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Polaroids of Polar Bears" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Polaroids of Polar Bears" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
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Tone references for "Polaroids of Polar Bears" by Alexisonfire are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.