How to Dial In "Only When You Leave" by Spandau Ballet - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Only When You Leave"
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 Parade (1984). Parade is the fourth studio album by the English new wave band Spandau Ballet, released on 25 June 1984 by Chrysalis Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Spandau Ballet's other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck and middle pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Only When You Leave" Tone
What guitar did Spandau Ballet use on "Only When You Leave"?
The guitar on "Only When You Leave" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Only When You Leave" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 4.5. 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 "Only When You Leave" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Only When You Leave" 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 "Only When You Leave" by Spandau Ballet are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.