How to Dial In "Need" by Mudhoney - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Need"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarHagstrom Super SwedeSuggested
- AmpMarshall JCM800 2203Suggested
- EffectFuzzUnivox Super-Fuzz and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff · On the EP's signature dirty guitar sound
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 Superfuzz Bigmuff (1988). Superfuzz Bigmuff is the debut EP and first major release by the Seattle grunge band Mudhoney. The EP's Wikipedia article says it is named after the Univox Super-Fuzz and the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, two of the band's favorite pedals, which helped provide its signature dirty sound. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Hagstrom Super Swede through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Mudhoney's other songs from Superfuzz Bigmuff, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Need" Tone
What guitar did Mudhoney use on "Need"?
The guitar on "Need" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Hagstrom Super Swede above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Need" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Need" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Need" 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 effects are on "Need"?
The recording has fuzz on it. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Need" by Mudhoney are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.