How to Dial In "The Plan" by Nada Surf - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Plan"
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 High/Low (1996). High/Low is the debut studio album by the American band Nada Surf, released in 1996. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Black Beauty through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Nada Surf's other songs from High/Low, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Plan" Tone
What guitar did Nada Surf use on "The Plan"?
The guitar on "The Plan" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Black Beauty above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Plan" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "The Plan" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Plan" 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 "The Plan" by Nada Surf are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.