How to Dial In "Small Talk Stinks" by Bauhaus - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Small Talk Stinks"
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 In the Flat Field (1980). In the Flat Field is the debut studio album by the English gothic rock band Bauhaus, released on 7 November 1980 by 4AD. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G6136T White Falcon through a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired, the rig we use for Bauhaus' other songs from In the Flat Field, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Small Talk Stinks" Tone
What guitar did Bauhaus use on "Small Talk Stinks"?
The guitar on "Small Talk Stinks" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gretsch G6136T White Falcon above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Small Talk Stinks" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Small Talk Stinks" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Small Talk Stinks" 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 "Small Talk Stinks" by Bauhaus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.