How to Dial In "Say Something" by James - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Say Something"
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 Laid (1993). Laid is the fifth studio album by British rock band James. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig to the one documented for James, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Say Something" Tone
What guitar did James use on "Say Something"?
The guitar on "Say Something" (released 1993) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Say Something" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Say Something" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Say Something" 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 "Say Something" by James are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.