How to Dial In "Planet Claire" by The B-52's - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Planet Claire"
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 The B-52's (1979). Spiky, surf-flavoured new wave with a thin, trebly guitar tone. No source documents the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender Player Telecaster into a Vox AC30 C2 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 "Planet Claire" Tone
What guitar did The B-52's use on "Planet Claire"?
The guitar on "Planet Claire" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Fender Player Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Planet Claire" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 5, 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 "Planet Claire" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Planet Claire" 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 "Planet Claire" by The B-52's are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.