How to Dial In "Take It or Leave It" by The Strokes - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Take It or Leave It"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Hot Rod Deluxe. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The closing track's compressed, slightly lo-fi Telecaster crunch caps off the record that revived garage rock for a new generation.
Common Questions About the "Take It or Leave It" Tone
What guitar did The Strokes use on "Take It or Leave It"?
The Strokes tracked "Take It or Leave It" on a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster (AVRI Reissue) (released 2001). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Take It or Leave It" need?
On a Hot Rod Deluxe: Gain 5, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 5, 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 "Take It or Leave It" without a Hot Rod Deluxe?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Take It or Leave It" 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.
What pedals are on "Take It or Leave It"?
The original signal chain for "Take It or Leave It" runs through Boss CE-2 Chorus. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Take It or Leave It" by The Strokes are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.