How to Dial In "Cough Syrup" by Butthole Surfers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cough Syrup"
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 Electriclarryland (1996). Electriclarryland is the seventh studio album by American rock band Butthole Surfers, released on 6 May 1996 by Capitol Records. The album's personnel list credits Paul Leary with guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Stratocaster through a Fender '64 Vibroverb Custom, the rig we use for Butthole Surfers' other songs from Electriclarryland, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cough Syrup" Tone
What guitar did Butthole Surfers use on "Cough Syrup"?
The guitar on "Cough Syrup" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender Player Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cough Syrup" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 6, 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 "Cough Syrup" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cough Syrup" 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 "Cough Syrup" by Butthole Surfers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.