How to Dial In "Massage the History" by Sonic Youth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Massage the History"
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 The Eternal (2009). The Eternal is the fifteenth and final studio album by American rock band Sonic Youth, released on June 9, 2009, by Matador Records (the band's only release on that label). No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Sonic Youth's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Massage the History" Tone
What guitar did Sonic Youth use on "Massage the History"?
The guitar on "Massage the History" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Massage the History" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, 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 "Massage the History" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Massage the History" 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 "Massage the History" by Sonic Youth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.