How to Dial In "Honestly" by Zwan - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Honestly"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender American Professional II StratocasterSuggested
- AmpMarshall JCM800 2203Suggested
- EffectFlangerThe unit isn't documented · On the guitar parts
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 Mary Star of the Sea (2003). Mary Star of the Sea is the only studio album by American alternative rock band Zwan, released on January 28, 2003 on Reprise (February 10 in the UK). The song's Wikipedia article says its guitar parts mostly use a flanger effect. It does not name a guitar, amp or flanger unit, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, a driven alternative-rock pairing, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Honestly" Tone
What guitar did Zwan use on "Honestly"?
The guitar on "Honestly" (released 2003) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Honestly" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. 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 "Honestly" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Honestly" 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 effects are on "Honestly"?
The recording has flanger on it. No source names the unit behind it, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Honestly" by Zwan are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.