How to Dial In "Happy Idiot" by TV on the Radio - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Happy Idiot"
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 Seeds (2014). Seeds is the fifth studio album by American art rock band TV on the Radio, released on November 18, 2014, through Harvest Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for TV on the Radio's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Happy Idiot" Tone
What guitar did TV on the Radio use on "Happy Idiot"?
The guitar on "Happy Idiot" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Happy Idiot" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Happy Idiot" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Happy Idiot" 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 "Happy Idiot" by TV on the Radio are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.