How to Dial In "Forget the Swan" by Dinosaur Jr. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Forget the Swan"
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 Dinosaur (1985). Dinosaur is the debut album by the American alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Dinosaur Jr.'s other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Forget the Swan" Tone
What guitar did Dinosaur Jr. use on "Forget the Swan"?
The guitar on "Forget the Swan" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Forget the Swan" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 8. 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 "Forget the Swan" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Forget the Swan" 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 "Forget the Swan" by Dinosaur Jr. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.