How to Dial In "Act Nice and Gentle" by The Black Keys - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Act Nice and Gentle"
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 Rubber Factory (2004). Rubber Factory is the third studio album by American rock duo the Black Keys. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Danelectro '59M NOS+ through a Fender '57 Custom Deluxe, the rig we use for The Black Keys' other songs from Rubber Factory, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Act Nice and Gentle" Tone
What guitar did The Black Keys use on "Act Nice and Gentle"?
The guitar on "Act Nice and Gentle" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Danelectro '59M NOS+ above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Act Nice and Gentle" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Act Nice and Gentle" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Act Nice and Gentle" 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 "Act Nice and Gentle" by The Black Keys are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.