How to Dial In "This Is Hardcore" by Pulp - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "This Is Hardcore"
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 This Is Hardcore (1998). A slow, cinematic epic where a sparse, menacing guitar figure sits under strings and a theatrical vocal. Wikipedia lists a Gibson ES-345 among Mark Webber's guitars, though it tags that list as needing a citation. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Gibson ES-345 into a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "This Is Hardcore" Tone
What guitar did Pulp use on "This Is Hardcore"?
The guitar on "This Is Hardcore" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-345 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "This Is Hardcore" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 4, 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 "This Is Hardcore" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "This Is Hardcore" 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 "This Is Hardcore" by Pulp are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.