How to Dial In "Necessary Evil" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Necessary Evil"
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 Multi-Love (2015). Multi-Love is the third studio album by the New Zealand band Unknown Mortal Orchestra, released on 26 May 2015 by Jagjaguwar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Jaguar through a Fender Champion 40, the rig we use for Unknown Mortal Orchestra's other songs from Multi-Love, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Necessary Evil" Tone
What guitar did Unknown Mortal Orchestra use on "Necessary Evil"?
The guitar on "Necessary Evil" (released 2015) isn't documented; the Fender Player Jaguar above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Necessary Evil" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 7, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 5. 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 "Necessary Evil" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Necessary Evil" 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 "Necessary Evil" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.