How to Dial In "Heads Will Roll" by Echo & the Bunnymen - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heads Will Roll"
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 Porcupine (1983). A taut Porcupine track with angular, bright guitar and a jangly, slightly dark edge. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Set the amp clean with a little edge and use the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Heads Will Roll" Tone
What guitar did Echo & the Bunnymen use on "Heads Will Roll"?
The guitar on "Heads Will Roll" (released 1983) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Heads Will Roll" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Heads Will Roll" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heads Will Roll" 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 "Heads Will Roll" by Echo & the Bunnymen are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.