How to Dial In "Pop the Balloon" by Nothing But Thieves - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pop the Balloon"
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 Dead Club City (2023). Dead Club City is the fourth studio album by English alternative rock band Nothing but Thieves, released on 30 June 2023 through Sony Music UK. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through an Orange Rockerverb 100 MkIII, the rig we use for Nothing But Thieves' other songs from Dead Club City, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Pop the Balloon" Tone
What guitar did Nothing But Thieves use on "Pop the Balloon"?
The guitar on "Pop the Balloon" (released 2023) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Pop the Balloon" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, 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 "Pop the Balloon" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pop the Balloon" 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 "Pop the Balloon" by Nothing But Thieves are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.