How to Dial In "Waiting for the End of the World" by Elvis Costello - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Waiting for the End of the World"
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 My Aim Is True (1977). A brisk, jangling new-wave song with bright guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Waiting for the End of the World" Tone
What guitar did Elvis Costello use on "Waiting for the End of the World"?
The guitar on "Waiting for the End of the World" (released 1977) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Waiting for the End of the World" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Waiting for the End of the World" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Waiting for the End of the World" 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 "Waiting for the End of the World" by Elvis Costello are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.