How to Dial In "Cracking Up" by Nick Lowe - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cracking Up"
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 Labour of Lust (1979). Labour of Lust is an album by British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera II '60s Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Nick Lowe's other songs from Labour of Lust, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cracking Up" Tone
What guitar did Nick Lowe use on "Cracking Up"?
The guitar on "Cracking Up" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera II '60s 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 "Cracking Up" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 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 "Cracking Up" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cracking Up" 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 "Cracking Up" by Nick Lowe are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.