How to Dial In "The Model" by Big Black - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Model"
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 Songs About Fucking (1987). Songs About Fucking is the second and final studio album by American rock band Big Black, released on September 10, 1987, by Touch and Go Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Big Black's other songs from Songs About Fucking, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Model" Tone
What guitar did Big Black use on "The Model"?
The guitar on "The Model" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Fender Player Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Model" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 8, Presence 7, 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 "The Model" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Model" 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 "The Model" by Big Black are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.