505 by Arctic Monkeys — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To capture the atmospheric tone of '505' by Arctic Monkeys, we'll use the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s and the Fender Mustang LT25. The Strat's single-coil pickups will be adjusted to emulate a humbucker-like warmth, while the Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities will help recreate the Vox AC30's edge-of-breakup character. Essential effects like reverb and delay will be dialed in to match the song's spacious and haunting vibe.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — Main rhythm tone
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Middle Pickup | The middle pickup provides a balanced tone, emulating the warmth of a semi-hollow with humbuckers. |
| Master Volume | 7 | Set to maintain clarity and dynamics, avoiding harshness. |
| Tone 1 | 6 | Dialed back to reduce brightness and emulate a darker tone. |
| Tone 2 | Leave at default | Not used for this pickup position. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — Main amplifier
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [03] CHICAGO BLUES | Closest starting point for edge-of-breakup tone with a mid-forward character. |
| Gain | 5 | Set to achieve light overdrive with mild breakup. |
| Volume | 6 | Balanced to maintain natural dynamics and avoid overpowering the reverb. |
| Treble | 4 | Reduced to avoid harsh highs and keep the tone slightly dark. |
| Bass | 5 | Balanced to support the mid-forward character without overwhelming the mix. |
| Master | Leave at default | Not critical for tone shaping in this setup. |
| Effects | Reverb and Delay | Engage reverb and delay for spacious atmosphere; set reverb level to ~6 and delay mix to ~3 for subtle depth. Using the amp's Menu Button and Preset Select, open the effects list to reach it. Press Save Button to keep it in this preset. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
Section guide — how the tone changes through the song
Intro Riff
The intro riff uses a bright and clean tone with a prominent chorus effect, emulating the Telecaster's sound.
- the pedal: Pickup Selector → Bridge Pickup
- the pedal: Treble → 6
- the pedal: Effects → Chorus
What Arctic Monkeys actually used
The recording of '505' features a distinctive organ melody sampled from Ennio Morricone's 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,' played by Alex Turner. Miles Kane contributed additional guitar parts to the track. The band recorded the album at multiple studios, including Miloco Garden, Eastcote, Motor Museum, and Konk Studios, with producers James Ford and Mike Crossey.
- Fender Telecaster — main rhythm
- Fender Stratocaster — lead overdub
- Orange AD30 — main amplifier
- Ennio Morricone organ sample — organ melody
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://arcticmonkeys.fandom.com/wiki/505
- https://www.artificial-monkeys.com/arctic-monkeys-gear-and-sound.php
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Favourite_Worst_Nightmare