How to Dial In "A Knife in the Ocean" by Foals - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "A Knife in the Ocean"
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 What Went Down (2015). A driving What Went Down track with chiming, delay-washed guitar over a tight rhythm section. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a low-gain, edge-of-breakup setting and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "A Knife in the Ocean" Tone
What guitar did Foals use on "A Knife in the Ocean"?
The guitar on "A Knife in the Ocean" (released 2015) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "A Knife in the Ocean" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "A Knife in the Ocean" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A Knife in the Ocean" 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 "A Knife in the Ocean" by Foals are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.