How to Dial In "Needles and Pins" by Deftones - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Needles and Pins"
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 Deftones (2003). Deftones is the fourth studio album by the American alternative metal band Deftones, released on 20 May 2003 by Maverick Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-607B Baritone through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the rig we use for Deftones' other songs from Deftones, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Needles and Pins" Tone
What guitar did Deftones use on "Needles and Pins"?
The guitar on "Needles and Pins" (released 2003) isn't documented; the ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-607B Baritone above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Needles and Pins" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 7.5. 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 "Needles and Pins" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Needles and Pins" 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 "Needles and Pins" by Deftones are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.