How to Dial In "Bad Apple" by Basement - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bad Apple"
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 Colourmeinkindness (2012). Colourmeinkindness is the second studio album by English rock band Basement, released on 23 October 2012 by Run for Cover Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through an Orange Rockerverb 100 MkIII, the rig we use for Basement's other songs from Colourmeinkindness, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Bad Apple" Tone
What guitar did Basement use on "Bad Apple"?
The guitar on "Bad Apple" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge 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 "Bad Apple" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Bad Apple" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bad Apple" 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.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Bad Apple" by Basement are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.