How to Dial In "Pot Kettle Black" by Wilco - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Pot Kettle Black"
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 Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002). No source documents the guitar or amp on this track, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster into a Fender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface) stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the neck pickup. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Pot Kettle Black" Tone
What guitar did Wilco use on "Pot Kettle Black"?
The guitar on "Pot Kettle Black" (released 2002) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Pot Kettle Black" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 1, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 4.5. 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 "Pot Kettle Black" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Pot Kettle Black" 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 "Pot Kettle Black" by Wilco are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.