Gear for "Touch"
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 Boy (1980). Boy is the debut studio album by the Irish rock band U2. A review of Boy singles out the Edge's unconventional approach to his Gibson Explorer throughout the record. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this particular recording, so a Gibson Explorer through a Vox AC30 C2, the rig we use for U2's other songs from Boy, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Touch" Tone
What guitar did U2 use on "Touch"?
The guitar on "Touch" (released 1980) isn't documented; the Gibson Explorer above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Touch" need?
Settings for this sound: 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 "Touch" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Touch" 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 "Touch" by U2 are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.