How to Dial In "What Goes Boom" by Pixies - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "What Goes Boom"
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 Indie Cindy (2014). Indie Cindy is the fifth studio album by the American alternative rock band the Pixies which was released on April 19, 2014, it was the band's first album since 1991's Trompe le Monde (1991) and the first Pixies album not to feature bass guitar player Kim Deal. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Pixies' other songs from Indie Cindy, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "What Goes Boom" Tone
What guitar did Pixies use on "What Goes Boom"?
The guitar on "What Goes Boom" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gibson 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue (Custom Shop) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "What Goes Boom" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, 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 "What Goes Boom" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What Goes Boom" 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 "What Goes Boom" by Pixies are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.