How to Dial In "Rock Star (Olympia)" by Hole - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Rock Star (Olympia)"
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.
A track on Live Through This, released in April 1994 and produced by Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade, a fast, raw rocker with Eric Erlandson's jagged guitars and Courtney Love's shouted vocal. It is a short, noisy song built on loud, distorted power chords. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender Mustang through a Twin Reverb with a distortion pedal stands in. Use the bridge pickup and a loud, ragged distortion.
Common Questions About the "Rock Star (Olympia)" Tone
What guitar did Hole use on "Rock Star (Olympia)"?
The guitar on "Rock Star (Olympia)" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Fender Player Mustang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Rock Star (Olympia)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Rock Star (Olympia)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Rock Star (Olympia)" 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.
What pedals are on "Rock Star (Olympia)"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Rock Star (Olympia)" by Hole are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.