How to Dial In "Heartattack and Vine" by Tom Waits - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heartattack and Vine"
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 Heartattack and Vine (1980). Heartattack and Vine is the seventh studio album by Tom Waits, released on September 9, 1980, and his final album to be released on the Asylum label. "On the Nickel" was recorded for the Ralph Waite film of the same name. 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 rig we use for Tom Waits' other songs from Heartattack and Vine, 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 "Heartattack and Vine" Tone
What guitar did Tom Waits use on "Heartattack and Vine"?
The guitar on "Heartattack and Vine" (released 1980) 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 "Heartattack and Vine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, 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 "Heartattack and Vine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heartattack and Vine" 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 "Heartattack and Vine" by Tom Waits are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.