How to Dial In "When the Lights Come On" by IDLES - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "When the Lights Come On"
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 Crawler (2021). A tense, rhythmic Crawler track with a gritty, driven guitar sound. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through Orange Rockerverb 100 MkIII stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "When the Lights Come On" Tone
What guitar did IDLES use on "When the Lights Come On"?
The guitar on "When the Lights Come On" (released 2021) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "When the Lights Come On" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, 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 "When the Lights Come On" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "When the Lights Come On" 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 "When the Lights Come On" by IDLES are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.