How to Dial In "Big in Japan" by Guano Apes - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big in 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 Don't Give Me Names (2000). Don't Give Me Names is the second studio album by the German rock band Guano Apes, released in 2000. The song is a cover of Alphaville's song, as the album's track list notes. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Guano Apes' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Big in Japan" Tone
What guitar did Guano Apes use on "Big in Japan"?
The guitar on "Big in Japan" (released 2000) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Big in Japan" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Big in 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 "Big in 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 "Big in Japan" by Guano Apes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.