How to Dial In "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" by R.E.M. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)"
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 Chronic Town (1982). Chronic Town is the debut extended play (EP) by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb, the rig we use for R.E.M.'s other songs from Chronic Town, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" Tone
What guitar did R.E.M. use on "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)"?
The guitar on "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" (released 1982) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" 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 "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)" by R.E.M. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.