How to Dial In "John the Revelator" by Depeche Mode - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "John the Revelator"
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 Playing the Angel (2005). Playing the Angel is the eleventh studio album by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Depeche Mode's other songs from Playing the Angel, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "John the Revelator" Tone
What guitar did Depeche Mode use on "John the Revelator"?
The guitar on "John the Revelator" (released 2005) isn't documented; the Gretsch G5230T Electromatic Jet FT above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "John the Revelator" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "John the Revelator" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "John the Revelator" 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 "John the Revelator" by Depeche Mode are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.