How to Dial In "Poison Pen" by Hoodoo Gurus - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Poison Pen"
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 Mars Needs Guitars! (1985). Mars Needs Guitars! is the second studio album by the Australian rock band Hoodoo Gurus, released on 8 March 1985. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Hoodoo Gurus' other songs from Mars Needs Guitars!, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Poison Pen" Tone
What guitar did Hoodoo Gurus use on "Poison Pen"?
The guitar on "Poison Pen" (released 1985) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Poison Pen" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5, 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 "Poison Pen" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Poison Pen" 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 "Poison Pen" by Hoodoo Gurus are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.