How to Dial In "Violent Love" by Oingo Boingo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Violent Love"
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 Only a Lad (1981). Only a Lad is the debut studio album by American new wave band Oingo Boingo, released in 1981 by A&M Records, following their self-titled EP. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Standard Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Oingo Boingo's other songs from Only a Lad, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Violent Love" Tone
What guitar did Oingo Boingo use on "Violent Love"?
The guitar on "Violent Love" (released 1981) isn't documented; the Fender Standard Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Violent Love" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Violent Love" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Violent Love" 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 "Violent Love" by Oingo Boingo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.