How to Dial In "Titanium Expose" by Sonic Youth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Titanium Expose"
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 Goo (1990). A noisy, driving alt-rock song full of dissonant, ringing guitar. Both Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo made the Jazzmaster their main guitar after noticing J Mascis's, stripping the electronics down to a jack, a volume knob and a pickup switch, and the Dirty-period interviews list Marshall heads for Moore. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster into a Marshall JCM800 2203 stands in. Set a medium-high crunch on the bridge pickup and keep the low end tight. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Titanium Expose" Tone
What guitar did Sonic Youth use on "Titanium Expose"?
The guitar on "Titanium Expose" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Titanium Expose" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 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 "Titanium Expose" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Titanium Expose" 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 "Titanium Expose" by Sonic Youth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.