How to Dial In "Nickels and Dimes" by Social Distortion - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Nickels and Dimes"
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 Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll (2004). Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll is the sixth studio album by American punk rock band Social Distortion. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Social Distortion's other songs from Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Nickels and Dimes" Tone
What guitar did Social Distortion use on "Nickels and Dimes"?
The guitar on "Nickels and Dimes" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Nickels and Dimes" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Nickels and Dimes" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Nickels and Dimes" 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 "Nickels and Dimes" by Social Distortion are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.