How to Dial In "What a Waster" by The Libertines - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "What a Waster"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The Libertines' profanity-laced debut single, written by Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, pairs Doherty's wine-red Gibson ES-330 with a pair of Vox AC30s for the band's raw, garage-rock-revival crunch.
Common Questions About the "What a Waster" Tone
What guitar did The Libertines use on "What a Waster"?
The Libertines tracked "What a Waster" on a Gibson ES-330 (released 2002). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "What a Waster" need?
On an AC30: Gain 6, 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 "What a Waster" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "What a Waster" 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.
What pedals are on "What a Waster"?
The original signal chain for "What a Waster" runs through Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "What a Waster" by The Libertines are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.