How to Dial In "Dead and Lovely" by Tom Waits - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dead and Lovely"
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 Real Gone (2004). Real Gone is the sixteenth studio album by Tom Waits, released on October 4, 2004, in Europe, and October 5 in the United States 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 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for Tom Waits' other songs from Real Gone, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Dead and Lovely" Tone
What guitar did Tom Waits use on "Dead and Lovely"?
The guitar on "Dead and Lovely" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Dead and Lovely" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, 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 "Dead and Lovely" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dead and Lovely" 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 "Dead and Lovely" by Tom Waits are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.