How to Dial In "Postcard from 1952" by Explosions in the Sky - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Postcard from 1952"
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 Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (2011). A post-rock instrumental built on interlocking, reverb-soaked guitars that climb slowly toward a crescendo. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster 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 "Postcard from 1952" Tone
What guitar did Explosions in the Sky use on "Postcard from 1952"?
The guitar on "Postcard from 1952" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Postcard from 1952" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "Postcard from 1952" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Postcard from 1952" 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 "Postcard from 1952" by Explosions in the Sky are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.