How to Dial In "Through Being Cool" by Devo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Through Being Cool"
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 New Traditionalists (1981). New Traditionalists is the fourth studio album by American new wave band Devo, released on September 16, 1981, by Warner Bros. Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for Devo's other songs from New Traditionalists, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Through Being Cool" Tone
What guitar did Devo use on "Through Being Cool"?
The guitar on "Through Being Cool" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Through Being Cool" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Through Being Cool" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Through Being Cool" 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 "Through Being Cool" by Devo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.