How to Dial In "Novocaine for the Soul" by Eels - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Novocaine for the Soul"
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 Beautiful Freak (1996). The 1996 breakthrough single, with a gritty, mid-fi electric guitar riff over a loose, loop-flavoured groove. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Novocaine for the Soul" Tone
What guitar did Eels use on "Novocaine for the Soul"?
The guitar on "Novocaine for the Soul" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Novocaine for the Soul" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Novocaine for the Soul" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Novocaine for the Soul" 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 "Novocaine for the Soul" by Eels are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.