How to Dial In "Cold Water" by Tom Waits - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Cold Water"
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 Mule Variations (1999). Mule Variations is the thirteenth studio album by American musician Tom Waits, released on April 16, 1999, on the ANTI- label. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Tom Waits' other songs, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the neck and middle pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Cold Water" Tone
What guitar did Tom Waits use on "Cold Water"?
The guitar on "Cold Water" (released 1999) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Cold Water" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 4.5. 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 "Cold Water" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Cold Water" 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 "Cold Water" by Tom Waits are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.