How to Dial In "La Célula Que Explota" by Caifanes - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "La Célula Que Explota"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. Alejandro Marcovich's guitar is the reason this song endures — clean, chorused arpeggios in a Cure-derived post-punk idiom layered over a mariachi horn arrangement, which is a combination nobody else was attempting in 1992. Keep the amp completely clean and bright with heavy chorus and a long delay, and play on the top strings with the notes ringing into each other. Set the gain at or near zero. Recorded 1991-92 for El Silencio with Adrian Belew producing, which explains the record's unusually spacious, effects-forward guitar treatment. The song is now among the most-streamed Mexican rock recordings ever made.
Common Questions About the "La Célula Que Explota" Tone
What guitar did Caifanes use on "La Célula Que Explota"?
Caifanes tracked "La Célula Que Explota" on a Stratocaster (released 1992). The Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "La Célula Que Explota" need?
On Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus: Gain 3, Bass 4.5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "La Célula Que Explota" without a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "La Célula Que Explota" 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.
What pedals are on "La Célula Que Explota"?
The original signal chain for "La Célula Que Explota" runs through Boss CE-2 Chorus, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "La Célula Que Explota" by Caifanes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.