How to Dial In "Pontiac 87" by Protomartyr - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pontiac 87"
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 The Agent Intellect (2015). The Agent Intellect is the third studio album by Detroit post-punk band Protomartyr, released on 9 October 2015 on Hardly Art. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar through a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb, the nearest rig we use for Protomartyr's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Pontiac 87" Tone
What guitar did Protomartyr use on "Pontiac 87"?
The guitar on "Pontiac 87" (released 2015) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Pontiac 87" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Pontiac 87" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pontiac 87" 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 "Pontiac 87" by Protomartyr are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.