How to Dial In "What You Want" by My Bloody Valentine - Guitar Tone Settings
What My Bloody Valentine Actually Used on "What You Want"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Loveless (1991). A driving Loveless track with thick, fuzzed guitar riffs and swells of reverse reverb over a steady beat. Accounts of the Loveless sessions describe Jazzmasters and Jaguars through a mix of Vox AC30s, Hiwatt heads, Fender Dual Showmans and Marshall JCM800s, and name a Yamaha SPX90 as the main reverse-reverb source; one of them hedges that twin JCM800 stacks were Kevin Shields' main setup around 1991. They describe the album rather than this song, so a Jazzmaster through a JCM800 2203 with the SPX90 stands in for that setup. Set the amp on the edge of breakup and use the neck and bridge pickups. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "What You Want" Tone
What guitar did My Bloody Valentine use on "What You Want"?
My Bloody Valentine tracked "What You Want" on a Fender Jazzmaster (Original) (released 1991). Pickup selector: neck + bridge (position 3 / out-of-phase) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "What You Want" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "What You Want" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What You Want" 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 "What You Want"?
The original signal chain for "What You Want" runs through Yamaha SPX90. 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 "What You Want" by My Bloody Valentine are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.