How to Dial In "Fake Empire" by The National - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Fake Empire"
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 Boxer (2007). Boxer is the fourth studio album by American indie rock band the National, released on 22 May 2007 by Beggars Banquet Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Fender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface), the rig we use for The National's other songs from Boxer, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Fake Empire" Tone
What guitar did The National use on "Fake Empire"?
The guitar on "Fake Empire" (released 2007) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Fake Empire" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, 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 "Fake Empire" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Fake Empire" 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 "Fake Empire" by The National are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.