How to Dial In "Never the Machine Forever" by Soundgarden - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Never the Machine Forever"
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 Down on the Upside (1996). A dense mid-tempo riff with Kim Thayil's layered distortion and an unusual, slightly off-kilter feel. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Guild S-100 Polara through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp to high gain with the mids kept forward. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Never the Machine Forever" Tone
What guitar did Soundgarden use on "Never the Machine Forever"?
The guitar on "Never the Machine Forever" (released 1996) isn't documented; the Guild S-100 Polara above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Never the Machine Forever" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Never the Machine Forever" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Never the Machine Forever" 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 "Never the Machine Forever" by Soundgarden are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.