How to Dial In "Big Smile" by Turnstile - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Big Smile"
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 Time & Space (2018). Time & Space is the second studio album and major label debut by the American punk rock band Turnstile. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through an Orange Thunder 30, the rig we use for Turnstile's other songs from Time & Space, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Big Smile" Tone
What guitar did Turnstile use on "Big Smile"?
The guitar on "Big Smile" (released 2018) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Big Smile" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 6, 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 "Big Smile" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Big Smile" 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 "Big Smile" by Turnstile are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.