How to Dial In "Cosmic Thing" by The B-52's - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cosmic Thing"
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 Cosmic Thing (1989). Cosmic Thing is the fifth studio album by American new wave band the B-52's, released on 27 June 1989 by Reprise Records. The album's personnel list credits Keith Strickland with guitars. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Mustang through a Vox AC30HW2X Hand-Wired, the rig we use for The B-52's' other songs from Cosmic Thing, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cosmic Thing" Tone
What guitar did The B-52's use on "Cosmic Thing"?
The guitar on "Cosmic Thing" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender Player Mustang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cosmic Thing" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, 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 "Cosmic Thing" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cosmic Thing" 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 "Cosmic Thing" by The B-52's are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.