How to Dial In "No Way Down" by The Shins - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "No Way Down"
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 Port of Morrow (2012). Port of Morrow is fourth studio album by American rock band The Shins, released on 19 March 2012 by Aural Apothecary. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The Shins' other songs from Port of Morrow, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "No Way Down" Tone
What guitar did The Shins use on "No Way Down"?
The guitar on "No Way Down" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "No Way Down" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "No Way Down" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "No Way Down" 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 "No Way Down" by The Shins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.