How to Dial In "Palaces of Montezuma" by Grinderman - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Palaces of Montezuma"
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 Grinderman 2 (2010). Grinderman 2 is the second and final studio album by alternative rock band Grinderman, a side project of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, released on 13 September 2010 on Mute Records in the United Kingdom and ANTI- in the United States. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM2000 DSL100, the rig we use for Grinderman's other songs from Grinderman 2, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Palaces of Montezuma" Tone
What guitar did Grinderman use on "Palaces of Montezuma"?
The guitar on "Palaces of Montezuma" (released 2010) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Palaces of Montezuma" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 6, 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 "Palaces of Montezuma" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Palaces of Montezuma" 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 "Palaces of Montezuma" by Grinderman are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.