How to Dial In "When We Were Close" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "When We Were Close"
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 Weathervanes (2023). Weathervanes is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, and the sixth accompanied by his backing band the 400 Unit. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's other songs from Weathervanes, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "When We Were Close" Tone
What guitar did Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit use on "When We Were Close"?
The guitar on "When We Were Close" (released 2023) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "When We Were Close" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5.5, 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 "When We Were Close" 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 We Were Close" 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 We Were Close" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.