How to Dial In "Before We Drift Away" by Nothing But Thieves - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Before We Drift Away"
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 Moral Panic (2020). An alternative-rock track with a layered, overdriven guitar part. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Before We Drift Away" Tone
What guitar did Nothing But Thieves use on "Before We Drift Away"?
The guitar on "Before We Drift Away" (released 2020) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Before We Drift Away" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Before We Drift Away" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Before We Drift Away" 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 "Before We Drift Away" by Nothing But Thieves are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.