How to Dial In "Dance This Mess Around" by The B-52's - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dance This Mess Around"
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 Wild Planet (1980). Spiky, surf-flavoured new wave with a thin, trebly guitar tone. The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Fender Player Mustang into a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Dance This Mess Around" Tone
What guitar did The B-52's use on "Dance This Mess Around"?
The guitar on "Dance This Mess Around" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Fender Player Mustang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Dance This Mess Around" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 4, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 5, 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 "Dance This Mess Around" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dance This Mess Around" 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 "Dance This Mess Around" by The B-52's are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.