How to Dial In "Time to Pretend" by MGMT - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Time to Pretend"
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 Oracular Spectacular (2007). Oracular Spectacular is the debut studio album by the American band MGMT, released on October 2, 2007, by RED Ink and physically on January 22, 2008, by Columbia. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for MGMT's other songs from Oracular Spectacular, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Time to Pretend" Tone
What guitar did MGMT use on "Time to Pretend"?
The guitar on "Time to Pretend" (released 2007) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Time to Pretend" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 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 "Time to Pretend" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Time to Pretend" 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 "Time to Pretend" by MGMT are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.