How to Dial In "L'appartement" by Noir Désir - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "L'appartement"
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 Des Visages des Figures (2001). A moody, mid-tempo rock song with a restrained, atmospheric guitar that swells into the chorus. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a moderate crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "L'appartement" Tone
What guitar did Noir Désir use on "L'appartement"?
The guitar on "L'appartement" (released 2001) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "L'appartement" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 7.5. 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 "L'appartement" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "L'appartement" 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 "L'appartement" by Noir Désir are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.