How to Dial In "Cico Buff" by Cocteau Twins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cico Buff"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender American Vintage II 1966 JazzmasterSuggested
- AmpRoland JC-120 Jazz ChorusSuggested
- EffectReverbThe unit isn't documented
- EffectChorusThe unit 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 Blue Bell Knoll (1988). A shimmering dream-pop track built on layered, chorus-washed and heavily reverbed guitar textures. The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster into a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus 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 "Cico Buff" Tone
What guitar did Cocteau Twins use on "Cico Buff"?
The guitar on "Cico Buff" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Cico Buff" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1, Bass 4, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 3.5. 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 "Cico Buff" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cico Buff" 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 effects are on "Cico Buff"?
The recording has reverb and chorus on it. No source names the unit behind them, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Cico Buff" by Cocteau Twins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.