How to Dial In "Start Choppin" by Dinosaur Jr. - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Start Choppin"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Standard tuning. J Mascis's tone is a Jazzmaster into a wall of Marshalls with a Big Muff permanently on, and the key is that the fuzz is stacked on top of an already-overdriven amp rather than in front of a clean one — that is what produces the thick, slightly collapsing sustain his leads depend on. He plays extremely loud, which is not a stylistic detail but a functional one: the long held bends only sing because the guitar is feeding back gently at all times. Recorded 1992 at Dreamland in Woodstock. The solos are long, melodic and unhurried, closer to Neil Young than to anything else in 1993 alternative rock. Keep the mids present so the leads stay singing rather than turning to fizz.
Common Questions About the "Start Choppin" Tone
What guitar did Dinosaur Jr. use on "Start Choppin"?
Dinosaur Jr. tracked "Start Choppin" on a Jazzmaster (released 1993). The Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Start Choppin" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, 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 "Start Choppin" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Start Choppin" 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.
What pedals are on "Start Choppin"?
The original signal chain for "Start Choppin" runs through a Big Muff. The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (NYC) named above is a modern equivalent - it came out after the record. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Start Choppin" by Dinosaur Jr. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.