How to Dial In "Polar Opposites" by Modest Mouse - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Polar Opposites"
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 The Lonesome Crowded West (1997). The Lonesome Crowded West is the second studio album by American rock band Modest Mouse, released on November 18, 1997, by Up Records. 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 The Lonesome Crowded West, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Polar Opposites" Tone
What guitar did Modest Mouse use on "Polar Opposites"?
The guitar on "Polar Opposites" (released 1997) 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 "Polar Opposites" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Polar Opposites" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Polar Opposites" 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 "Polar Opposites" by Modest Mouse are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.