How to Dial In "European Female" by The Stranglers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "European Female"
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 Feline (1983). Feline is the seventh studio album by the Stranglers and was released on 14 January 1983 on the Epic record label, their first for the label. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster through a Marshall JTM45 2245 Reissue, the nearest rig we use for The Stranglers' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "European Female" Tone
What guitar did The Stranglers use on "European Female"?
The guitar on "European Female" (released 1983) 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 "European Female" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "European Female" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "European Female" 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 "European Female" by The Stranglers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.