How to Dial In "Pond Song" by Dinosaur Jr. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pond Song"
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 Bug (1988). Bug is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr., released in October 1988 through SST Records. 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 rig we use for Dinosaur Jr.'s other songs from Bug, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Pond Song" Tone
What guitar did Dinosaur Jr. use on "Pond Song"?
The guitar on "Pond Song" (released 1988) 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 "Pond Song" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, 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 "Pond Song" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pond Song" 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 "Pond Song" by Dinosaur Jr. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.