How to Dial In "The Haunting Idle" by The War on Drugs - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Haunting Idle"
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 Lost in the Dream (2014). A hazy, atmospheric, slow-building track with shimmering, reverb-heavy guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp clean and chiming. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "The Haunting Idle" Tone
What guitar did The War on Drugs use on "The Haunting Idle"?
The guitar on "The Haunting Idle" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "The Haunting Idle" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "The Haunting Idle" 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 Haunting Idle" 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 Haunting Idle" by The War on Drugs are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.