How to Dial In "Instant Music" by the pillows - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Instant Music"
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 Runners High (1999). Runners High is an album released by the Pillows on January 22, 1999, through King Records, and the last to feature guest bassist Tatsuya Kashima. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Mustang through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for the pillows' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Instant Music" Tone
What guitar did the pillows use on "Instant Music"?
The guitar on "Instant Music" (released 1999) isn't documented; the Fender Player Mustang above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Instant Music" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Instant Music" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Instant Music" 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 "Instant Music" by the pillows are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.