How to Dial In "Competition Smile" by Gin Blossoms - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Competition Smile"
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 Congratulations I'm Sorry (1996). Congratulations I'm Sorry is the third studio album by the American alternative rock band Gin Blossoms, released on February 13, 1996 on A&M Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Gin Blossoms' other songs from Congratulations I'm Sorry, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Competition Smile" Tone
What guitar did Gin Blossoms use on "Competition Smile"?
The guitar on "Competition Smile" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Competition Smile" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Competition Smile" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Competition Smile" 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 "Competition Smile" by Gin Blossoms are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.