How to Dial In "Velvet Ring" by Big Thief - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Velvet Ring"
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 Masterpiece (2016). A driving indie-rock song from the band's debut, with a warm, lightly overdriven electric guitar part. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a light edge-of-breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Velvet Ring" Tone
What guitar did Big Thief use on "Velvet Ring"?
The guitar on "Velvet Ring" (released 2016) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Velvet Ring" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, 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 "Velvet Ring" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Velvet Ring" 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 "Velvet Ring" by Big Thief are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.