How to Dial In "Paper Cup" by Real Estate - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Paper Cup"
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 Main Thing (2020). The Main Thing is the fifth studio album by the American indie rock band Real Estate, released on February 28, 2020 on Domino Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Real Estate's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Paper Cup" Tone
What guitar did Real Estate use on "Paper Cup"?
The guitar on "Paper Cup" (released 2020) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Paper Cup" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 5.5. 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 "Paper Cup" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Paper Cup" 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 "Paper Cup" by Real Estate are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.