How to Dial In "Look Sharp!" by Joe Jackson - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Look Sharp!"
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 Look Sharp! (1979). Look Sharp! is the debut album by Joe Jackson, released in January 1979. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for Joe Jackson's other songs from Look Sharp!, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Look Sharp!" Tone
What guitar did Joe Jackson use on "Look Sharp!"?
The guitar on "Look Sharp!" (released 1979) 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 "Look Sharp!" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Look Sharp!" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Look Sharp!" 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 "Look Sharp!" by Joe Jackson are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.