How to Dial In "Silence Kid" by Pavement - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Silence Kid"
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 Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994). A jangly, scratchy lo-fi rocker with wiry guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Peavey Classic 30 stands in. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Silence Kid" Tone
What guitar did Pavement use on "Silence Kid"?
The guitar on "Silence Kid" (released 1994) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Silence Kid" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Silence Kid" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Silence Kid" 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 "Silence Kid" by Pavement are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.