How to Dial In "Harborcoat" by R.E.M. - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Harborcoat"
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). A jangly, mid-tempo track with chiming, arpeggiated twelve-string-style guitar. Peter Buck played his Rickenbacker 360 from Chronic Town through to the Accelerate album, and a Fender Twin of his broke during the Murmur sessions. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Rickenbacker 360 into a Fender Silverface Twin Reverb stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Harborcoat" Tone
What guitar did R.E.M. use on "Harborcoat"?
The guitar on "Harborcoat" (released 1984) 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 "Harborcoat" 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 "Harborcoat" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Harborcoat" 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 "Harborcoat" by R.E.M. are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.