How to Dial In "Letter to Memphis" by Pixies - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Letter to Memphis"
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 Trompe le Monde (1991). The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a light-to-medium crunch on the bridge pickup and dig in harder for the louder sections. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Letter to Memphis" Tone
What guitar did Pixies use on "Letter to Memphis"?
The guitar on "Letter to Memphis" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Letter to Memphis" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, 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 "Letter to Memphis" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Letter to Memphis" 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 "Letter to Memphis" by Pixies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.