How to Dial In "The Perfect Boy" by The Cure - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Perfect Boy"
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 4:13 Dream (2008). 4:13 Dream is the thirteenth studio album by the English rock band the Cure, released on 27 October 2008 by Suretone and Geffen Records. 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 4:13 Dream, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Perfect Boy" Tone
What guitar did The Cure use on "The Perfect Boy"?
The guitar on "The Perfect Boy" (released 2008) 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 "The Perfect Boy" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5.5, 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 "The Perfect Boy" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Perfect Boy" 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 "The Perfect Boy" by The Cure are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.