How to Dial In "Joker Lips" by MJ Lenderman - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Joker Lips"
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.
A track on Manning Fireworks, released in September 2024 on Anti-, with MJ Lenderman's dry, wry vocal over warm, fuzzy electric guitars. The sound is loose, crunchy and a little ragged. No source available here confirms the exact guitar, amp and pedal on this recording, so a Jazzmaster through a Deluxe Reverb with a delay pedal stands in. Use the bridge pickup, a crunchy amp tone and a loose, easy feel.
Common Questions About the "Joker Lips" Tone
What guitar did MJ Lenderman use on "Joker Lips"?
The guitar on "Joker Lips" (released 2024) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Joker Lips" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Joker Lips" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Joker Lips" 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.
What pedals are on "Joker Lips"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Joker Lips" by MJ Lenderman are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.