How to Dial In "Explode" by The Cardigans - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Explode"
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 Gran Turismo (1998). Gran Turismo is the fourth album by the Swedish rock band the Cardigans, released on 19 October 1998 by Stockholm Records. The album's personnel list credits Peter Svensson on guitar, and a 1999 Guitar Player track-by-track on the album reports that none of its guitar tracks were recorded through an amp, the sounds being shaped in production by Svensson and producer Tore Johansson. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for The Cardigans' other songs from Gran Turismo, stands in; the amp is only a way to get a similar tone. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Explode" Tone
What guitar did The Cardigans use on "Explode"?
The guitar on "Explode" (released 1998) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Explode" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, 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 "Explode" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Explode" 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 "Explode" by The Cardigans are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.