How to Dial In "Cut-Out Witch" by Guided by Voices - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cut-Out Witch"
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 Under the Bushes Under the Stars (1996). Under the Bushes Under the Stars is the ninth Guided by Voices album overall, and the last until 2012's Let's Go Eat the Factory to feature the "classic" lineup including Tobin Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, and Kevin Fennell in addition to leader Robert Pollard. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Stratocaster through a Peavey Classic 30, the nearest rig we use for Guided by Voices' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cut-Out Witch" Tone
What guitar did Guided by Voices use on "Cut-Out Witch"?
The guitar on "Cut-Out Witch" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender Player 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 "Cut-Out Witch" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 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 "Cut-Out Witch" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cut-Out Witch" 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 "Cut-Out Witch" by Guided by Voices are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.