How to Dial In "Head South" by Modest Mouse - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Head South"
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 This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About (1996). This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About is the debut studio album by American rock band Modest Mouse. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Modest Mouse's other songs from This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Head South" Tone
What guitar did Modest Mouse use on "Head South"?
The guitar on "Head South" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Head South" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 4, Mid 4.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Head South" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Head South" 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 "Head South" by Modest Mouse are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.