How to Dial In "Head Carrier" by Pixies - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Head Carrier"
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 Head Carrier (2016). Head Carrier is the sixth studio album by the American alternative rock band the Pixies, released on September 30, 2016, on Pixiesmusic and PIAS. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Pixies' other songs from Head Carrier, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Head Carrier" Tone
What guitar did Pixies use on "Head Carrier"?
The guitar on "Head Carrier" (released 2016) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Head Carrier" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 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 "Head Carrier" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Head Carrier" 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 "Head Carrier" by Pixies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.