How to Dial In "Ben Franklin" by Snail Mail - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Ben Franklin"
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.
A track on Valentine, Lindsey Jordan's second album as Snail Mail, released in November 2021 on Matador and produced by Brad Cook. The guitars are crisp and melodic, with clean, bright chords and short lead lines in front of a driving rhythm section. No source available here confirms the exact guitar, amp and pedal on this recording, so a Jaguar through a Hot Rod DeVille with a reverb pedal stands in. Use the bridge pickup and a clean-to-lightly-driven tone.
Common Questions About the "Ben Franklin" Tone
What guitar did Snail Mail use on "Ben Franklin"?
The guitar on "Ben Franklin" (released 2021) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Ben Franklin" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Ben Franklin" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ben Franklin" 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.
What pedals are on "Ben Franklin"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Ben Franklin" by Snail Mail are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.