How to Dial In "Stories for Boys" by U2 - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Stories for Boys"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Boy (1980). A driving, jittery post-punk song with a bright, rhythmic, echoing guitar part. The Edge has said that a Gibson Explorer, a Memory Man Deluxe and a Vox AC30 get you most of the sounds on Boy, October and War. That is the rig dialled in here, though nothing ties it to this song alone: a Gibson Explorer into a Vox AC30 C2 with Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. Set a light-to-medium crunch on the bridge pickup and dig in harder for the louder sections. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Stories for Boys" Tone
What guitar did U2 use on "Stories for Boys"?
U2 tracked "Stories for Boys" on a Gibson Explorer (released 1980). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Stories for Boys" need?
On an AC30: Gain 4, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 8, 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 "Stories for Boys" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Stories for Boys" 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.
What pedals are on "Stories for Boys"?
The original signal chain for "Stories for Boys" runs through Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Stories for Boys" by U2 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.