How to Dial In "Box Elder" by Pavement - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Box Elder"
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 Slanted and Enchanted (1992). Slanted and Enchanted is the debut studio album by American indie rock band Pavement, released on April 20, 1992, by Matador Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Peavey Classic 30, the rig we use for Pavement's other songs from Slanted and Enchanted, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Box Elder" Tone
What guitar did Pavement use on "Box Elder"?
The guitar on "Box Elder" (released 1992) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II 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 "Box Elder" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5, 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 "Box Elder" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Box Elder" 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 "Box Elder" by Pavement are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.