How to Dial In "American Dream" by Silverstein - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "American Dream"
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 A Shipwreck in the Sand (2009). A Shipwreck in the Sand is the fourth studio album by the Canadian post-hardcore band, Silverstein, released March 31, 2009 through Victory. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the rig we use for Silverstein's other songs from A Shipwreck in the Sand, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop C♯ (C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯), a half step below drop C.
Common Questions About the "American Dream" Tone
What guitar did Silverstein use on "American Dream"?
The guitar on "American Dream" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop C♯ (C♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯ D♯), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "American Dream" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7. 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 "American Dream" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "American Dream" 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 "American Dream" by Silverstein are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.