How to Dial In "The Killing Jar" by Siouxsie and the Banshees - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Killing Jar"
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 Peepshow (1988). A dark, rhythmic Peepshow track in which guitar adds sharp, tense accents rather than long lead lines. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Set the amp clean with a little edge and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "The Killing Jar" Tone
What guitar did Siouxsie and the Banshees use on "The Killing Jar"?
The guitar on "The Killing Jar" (released 1988) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Killing Jar" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "The Killing Jar" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Killing Jar" 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 "The Killing Jar" by Siouxsie and the Banshees are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.