How to Dial In "Billy Fish" by Melvins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Billy Fish"
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 Nude with Boots (2008). Nude with Boots is the 16th album by American rock band Melvins, released on July 8, 2008. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Sunn Model T, the nearest rig we use for Melvins' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Billy Fish" Tone
What guitar did Melvins use on "Billy Fish"?
The guitar on "Billy Fish" (released 2008) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Billy Fish" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Billy Fish" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Billy Fish" 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 "Billy Fish" by Melvins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.