How to Dial In "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles - Bass Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Paperback Writer"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for the original amp. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their bass configured for this take.
The reason this record exists in the form it does. Lennon had been demanding to know why Beatles bass never hit like the Wilson Pickett records, so for these sessions McCartney switched from the Hofner to a Rickenbacker 4001S and engineer Geoff Emerick wired a loudspeaker up as a microphone to capture it — a much heavier, more present low end than anything on a Beatles record before it. Round, loud and forward, with the mids left in so the melodic line reads clearly. Same session as Rain.
Common Questions About the "Paperback Writer" Tone
What bass did The Beatles use on "Paperback Writer"?
The Beatles tracked "Paperback Writer" on a Rickenbacker 4001 (released 1966). Pickup selector: neck + bridge (position 3 / out-of-phase) on the bass. Tuned to standard (bass) (E A D G).
What amp settings does "Paperback Writer" need?
On the original amp: Gain 3, Bass 7, Mid 6, Treble 5, Presence 4, Volume 7. 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 "Paperback Writer" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Paperback Writer" 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 "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.