How to Dial In "Wishes" by Beach House - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Wishes"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender Player II JazzmasterSuggested
- EffectReverbThe unit isn't documented
- EffectTremoloThe unit 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.
A track from Bloom, Beach House's fourth album, released in May 2012 through Sub Pop. The Baltimore duo, Victoria Legrand on vocals and keyboards and Alex Scally on guitar, build their songs around reverb-heavy guitar and organ. The sources available here don't name Scally's guitar or amp, so the rig is a suggestion. Use a clean, shimmering neck-pickup tone with a lot of reverb, tremolo and a touch of chorus, and play slow, sustained arpeggios. No transcription could be checked, so no tuning is given.
Common Questions About the "Wishes" Tone
What guitar did Beach House use on "Wishes"?
The guitar on "Wishes" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Fender Player II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Wishes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "Wishes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wishes" 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.
What effects are on "Wishes"?
The recording has reverb and tremolo on it. No source names the unit behind them, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Wishes" by Beach House are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.