How to Dial In "Conversation 16" by The National - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Conversation 16"
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 High Violet (2010). High Violet is the fifth studio album by the American rock band The National, released on May 10, 2010, through 4AD. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for The National's other songs from High Violet, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Conversation 16" Tone
What guitar did The National use on "Conversation 16"?
The guitar on "Conversation 16" (released 2010) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Conversation 16" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. 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 "Conversation 16" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Conversation 16" 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 "Conversation 16" by The National are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.