How to Dial In "Empty Like the Ocean" by Midtown - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Empty Like the Ocean"
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 Forget What You Know (2004). Forget What You Know is the third studio album by American rock band Midtown. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Midtown's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Empty Like the Ocean" Tone
What guitar did Midtown use on "Empty Like the Ocean"?
The guitar on "Empty Like the Ocean" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Empty Like the Ocean" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Empty Like the Ocean" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Empty Like the Ocean" 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 "Empty Like the Ocean" by Midtown are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.