How to Dial In "Real Talk" by Bloc Party - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Real Talk"
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 Four (2012). Four is the fourth studio album by British rock band Bloc Party. It was recorded in late 2011 and early 2012 at Stratosphere Sound, New York City, with producer Alex Newport, released on 20 August 2012. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Bloc Party's other songs from Four, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Real Talk" Tone
What guitar did Bloc Party use on "Real Talk"?
The guitar on "Real Talk" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Real Talk" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, 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 "Real Talk" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Real Talk" 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 "Real Talk" by Bloc Party are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.