How to Dial In "I Can Never Say Goodbye" by The Cure - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "I Can Never Say Goodbye"
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 Songs of a Lost World (2024), the band's first album in 16 years. Nothing published ties a rig to this song, so a Robert Smith signature Schecter into a Roland Cube stands in. A moderately driven, chorus-washed tone on the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "I Can Never Say Goodbye" Tone
What guitar did The Cure use on "I Can Never Say Goodbye"?
The guitar on "I Can Never Say Goodbye" (released 2024) isn't documented; the Schecter Robert Smith UltraCure above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "I Can Never Say Goodbye" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 5.5. 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 "I Can Never Say Goodbye" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "I Can Never Say Goodbye" 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 "I Can Never Say Goodbye" by The Cure are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.