How to Dial In "When the Dreams Run Dry" by The Killers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "When the Dreams Run Dry"
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 Imploding the Mirage (2020). Nothing published ties a rig to this track, so a Stratocaster into a JCM800 stands in. Use a clean-to-crunchy tone with plenty of open ring on the bridge pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "When the Dreams Run Dry" Tone
What guitar did The Killers use on "When the Dreams Run Dry"?
The guitar on "When the Dreams Run Dry" (released 2020) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "When the Dreams Run Dry" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "When the Dreams Run Dry" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "When the Dreams Run Dry" 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 "When the Dreams Run Dry" by The Killers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.