How to Dial In "Sergeant Politeness" by Failure - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Sergeant Politeness"
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 Fantastic Planet (1996). Fantastic Planet is the third album by the American alternative rock band Failure, released on August 13, 1996, by Slash Records and Warner Bros. Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Failure's other songs from Fantastic Planet, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup.
Common Questions About the "Sergeant Politeness" Tone
What guitar did Failure use on "Sergeant Politeness"?
The guitar on "Sergeant Politeness" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Sergeant Politeness" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, 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 "Sergeant Politeness" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Sergeant Politeness" 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 "Sergeant Politeness" by Failure are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.