How to Dial In "Subbacultcha" by Pixies - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Subbacultcha"
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). A fast, abrasive alt-rock song with a distorted, riffy guitar and spiky lead lines. Premier Guitar calls a 50-watt Marshall JCM800 Joey Santiago's mainstay for dirty tones since the beginning of the Pixies, and an early-1990s photo caption shows him with a Les Paul Classic. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Gibson Les Paul Classic into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Subbacultcha" Tone
What guitar did Pixies use on "Subbacultcha"?
The guitar on "Subbacultcha" (released 1991) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Classic above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Subbacultcha" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, 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 "Subbacultcha" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Subbacultcha" 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 "Subbacultcha" by Pixies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.