How to Dial In "Hang On to Your IQ" by Placebo - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hang On to Your IQ"
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 Placebo (1996). A noisy, high-energy cut from the debut album, with a thick, fuzzed-out guitar sound. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a high-gain setting and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Hang On to Your IQ" Tone
What guitar did Placebo use on "Hang On to Your IQ"?
The guitar on "Hang On to Your IQ" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Hang On to Your IQ" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, 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 "Hang On to Your IQ" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hang On to Your IQ" 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 "Hang On to Your IQ" by Placebo are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.