How to Dial In "Back on the Borderline" by Midnight Oil - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Back on the Borderline"
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 Head Injuries (1979). Head Injuries is the second studio album by Australian rock band Midnight Oil, released in October 1979 by Powderworks. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Midnight Oil's other songs from Head Injuries, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Back on the Borderline" Tone
What guitar did Midnight Oil use on "Back on the Borderline"?
The guitar on "Back on the Borderline" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Back on the Borderline" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 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 "Back on the Borderline" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Back on the Borderline" 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 "Back on the Borderline" by Midnight Oil are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.