How to Dial In "Big City" by Operation Ivy - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big City"
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 Energy (1989). Energy is the only studio album by the American ska punk band Operation Ivy, released on May 28, 1989 by Lookout! Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Operation Ivy's other songs from Energy, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Big City" Tone
What guitar did Operation Ivy use on "Big City"?
The guitar on "Big City" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Big City" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Big City" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big City" 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 "Big City" by Operation Ivy are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.