How to Dial In "The Phone Call" by The Pretenders - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Phone Call"
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 Pretenders (1980). Pretenders is the debut studio album by British-American band the Pretenders, released on 11 January 1980 by Real. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for The Pretenders' other songs from Pretenders, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Phone Call" Tone
What guitar did The Pretenders use on "The Phone Call"?
The guitar on "The Phone Call" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Phone Call" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, 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 "The Phone Call" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Phone Call" 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 "The Phone Call" by The Pretenders are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.