How to Dial In "Up and Down" by The Cars - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Up and Down"
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 Panorama (1980). Panorama is the third studio album by American new wave band the Cars, released on August 15, 1980, by Elektra Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for The Cars' other songs from Panorama, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Up and Down" Tone
What guitar did The Cars use on "Up and Down"?
The guitar on "Up and Down" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Up and Down" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, 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 "Up and Down" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Up and Down" 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 "Up and Down" by The Cars are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.