How to Dial In "Japan" by Fontaines D.C. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Japan"
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 Dopamine Chamber (2026). Premier Guitar's May 2025 rig rundown has Conor Curley on a Fairlane Zephyr, a Jazzmaster and a Johnny Marr Jaguar and Carlos O'Connell on a 1964 Mustang, all through Fender Twin Reverbs EQ'd fairly flat so the pedals do the shaping. Nothing published ties a guitar or amp to this song, so a Jazzmaster into a Twin Reverb stands in, with both pickups blended for a fuller, more open voice. Run the amp bright and clean and add drive from a pedal if you want it. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Japan" Tone
What guitar did Fontaines D.C. use on "Japan"?
The guitar on "Japan" (released 2026) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + bridge (position 3 / out-of-phase) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Japan" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Japan" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Japan" 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 "Japan" by Fontaines D.C. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.