How to Dial In "Turquoise Boy" by Sonic Youth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Turquoise Boy"
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 Rather Ripped (2006). Rather Ripped is the fourteenth studio album by American rock band Sonic Youth, released on June 13, 2006, by Geffen Records. 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 rig we use for Sonic Youth's other songs from Rather Ripped, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Turquoise Boy" Tone
What guitar did Sonic Youth use on "Turquoise Boy"?
The guitar on "Turquoise Boy" (released 2006) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Turquoise Boy" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Turquoise Boy" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Turquoise Boy" 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 "Turquoise Boy" by Sonic Youth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.