How to Dial In "Strange News from Another Star" by Blur - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Strange News from Another Star"
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 Blur (1997). A lo-fi, lazy ballad with a hazy guitar part and a gentle, slightly rough tone. GroundGuitar describes Graham Coxon as favouring a reissue of the 1952 Fender Telecaster and a 100-watt Marshall Super Lead on 4x12s with a Power Break, used almost exclusively with Blur. No source documents the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) into a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Strange News from Another Star" Tone
What guitar did Blur use on "Strange News from Another Star"?
The guitar on "Strange News from Another Star" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Strange News from Another Star" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Strange News from Another Star" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Strange News from Another Star" 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 "Strange News from Another Star" by Blur are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.