How to Dial In "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" by Tame Impala - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Why Won't They Talk to Me?"
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 Lonerism (2012). A phaser-washed, fuzzy Lonerism track with a psychedelic guitar sound. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so Rickenbacker 330 through Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Set the amp at a low-gain, edge-of-breakup setting and use the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" Tone
What guitar did Tame Impala use on "Why Won't They Talk to Me?"?
The guitar on "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Rickenbacker 330 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 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 "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" 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 "Why Won't They Talk to Me?" by Tame Impala are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.