How to Dial In "Steam Engine" by Eels - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Steam Engine"
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 Extreme Witchcraft (2022). Extreme Witchcraft is the fourteenth studio album by American indie rock band Eels, released through E Works/PIAS Recordings on January 28, 2022. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Eels' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Steam Engine" Tone
What guitar did Eels use on "Steam Engine"?
The guitar on "Steam Engine" (released 2022) 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 "Steam Engine" 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 "Steam Engine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Steam Engine" 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 "Steam Engine" by Eels are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.