How to Dial In "Blank Expression" by The Specials - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Blank Expression"
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 The Specials (1979). The Specials is the debut studio album by the English ska revival band the Specials. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for The Specials' other songs from The Specials, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Blank Expression" Tone
What guitar did The Specials use on "Blank Expression"?
The guitar on "Blank Expression" (released 1979) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Blank Expression" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, 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 "Blank Expression" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Blank Expression" 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 "Blank Expression" by The Specials are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.