How to Dial In "Before Three" by The Cure - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Before Three"
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 The Cure (2004). The Cure is the twelfth studio album by the English rock band of the same name, released on 25 June 2004. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus, the rig we use for The Cure's other songs from The Cure, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Before Three" Tone
What guitar did The Cure use on "Before Three"?
The guitar on "Before Three" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Before Three" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, 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 "Before Three" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Before Three" 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 "Before Three" by The Cure are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.