How to Dial In "I Was Not Born" by Fontaines D.C. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Was Not Born"
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 A Hero's Death (2020). A hypnotic, repetitive post-punk track with a clanging, cyclical guitar riff that builds in intensity. 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. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a classic hard-rock crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "I Was Not Born" Tone
What guitar did Fontaines D.C. use on "I Was Not Born"?
The guitar on "I Was Not Born" (released 2020) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "I Was Not Born" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "I Was Not Born" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Was Not Born" 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 "I Was Not Born" by Fontaines D.C. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.