How to Dial In "Don't Go Back to Rockville" by R.E.M. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Don't Go Back to Rockville"
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 Reckoning (1984). Reckoning (alternatively titled File Under Water) is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on April 9, 1984, by I.R.S. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Rickenbacker 360 through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for R.E.M.'s other songs from Reckoning, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Don't Go Back to Rockville" Tone
What guitar did R.E.M. use on "Don't Go Back to Rockville"?
The guitar on "Don't Go Back to Rockville" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 360 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Don't Go Back to Rockville" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, 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 "Don't Go Back to Rockville" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Don't Go Back to Rockville" 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 "Don't Go Back to Rockville" by R.E.M. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.