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Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
On "Somebody Told Me", Dave Keuning recorded his parts with a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, using the bridge pickup in standard tuning, into a Vox AC30 C2. The guitar sits just above the synth bass in the mix, delivering a bright, trebly attack that cuts through the rhythmic synths. The amp’s natural chime and mild breakup shape both the rhythmic chord stabs and the melodic lead lines, giving the track its distinctive post‑punk bite.
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Signal chain
Reported gear
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
Guitar
Dave Keuning used a 2004 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, playing the bridge pickup in standard tuning for the crisp, cutting lead lines on "Somebody Told Me".
Vox AC30 C2
Amp
The signal was routed through a Vox AC30 C2, whose chime and subtle breakup provided the signature bright yet warm tone heard throughout the track.
Alternatives
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster
Budget alternative · for the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
Vox AC15 (reissue)
Modern equivalent · for the Vox AC30 C2
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Select the bridge pickup for maximum brightness.
- 2.Play the main riff with tight, alternate picking and slight palm‑mute on the chord stabs.
- 3.Set the amp gain low to moderate to retain clarity while adding a subtle overdrive.
- 4.Use standard tuning (E A D G B E) and let the Vox AC30’s natural chime ring out.
- 5.Add light finger vibrato on sustained notes to emulate Keuning’s phrasing.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Somebody Told Me guitar tone?
The available research points to Fender American Professional II Stratocaster into Vox AC30 C2. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Somebody Told Me amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Somebody Told Me in?
The current research record lists Standard (E A D G B E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Somebody Told Me tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
