How to Dial In "Staring at the Sun" by TV on the Radio - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Staring at the Sun"
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 Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (2004). Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is the 2004 debut album by the American art rock band TV on the Radio. 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.
Common Questions About the "Staring at the Sun" Tone
What guitar did TV on the Radio use on "Staring at the Sun"?
The guitar on "Staring at the Sun" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Staring at the Sun" 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 "Staring at the Sun" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Staring at the Sun" 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 "Staring at the Sun" by TV on the Radio are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.