How to Dial In "Polar Bear" by Ride - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Polar Bear"
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 Nowhere (1990). A shoegaze track with swirling, heavily effected guitars. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue stands in. Set the amp at a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Polar Bear" Tone
What guitar did Ride use on "Polar Bear"?
The guitar on "Polar Bear" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Polar Bear" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "Polar Bear" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Polar Bear" 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 "Polar Bear" by Ride are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.