Let It Happen by Tame Impala — 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 psychedelic pop tone of 'Let It Happen,' we'll utilize the Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster for its single-coil brightness and the Fender Mustang LT25 for its clean amp modeling capabilities. The Mustang LT25's 'FENDER CLEAN' preset will serve as the foundation, providing the necessary clean tone with added effects for modulation and ambiance. Unfortunately, the rig lacks dedicated phaser, reverb, and delay effects, which are essential for this song's swirling and spacious sound.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster — Main guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Middle Pickup | Middle pickup provides a balanced tone with the necessary brightness for the song. |
| Master Volume | 8 | Set to 8 for a consistent output without overpowering the amp. |
| Tone 1 | 7 | Dialed to 7 to maintain clarity while taming any harshness from the single-coils. |
| Tone 2 | 10 | Tone wide open — roll it down to soften the high end. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — Main amp
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [01] FENDER CLEAN | This preset provides the clean foundation needed for the song's tone. |
| Gain | 4 | Set to 4 to maintain a clean tone with slight edge for articulation. |
| Volume | 5 | Balanced volume to prevent overpowering the effects and maintain clarity. |
| Treble | 6 | Set to 6 to enhance brightness without becoming harsh. |
| Bass | 4 | Reduced to 4 to prevent muddiness and maintain clarity in the mix. |
| Master | 5 | Set to 5 to keep overall output balanced and consistent. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
What Tame Impala actually used
Kevin Parker recorded 'Let It Happen' entirely by himself, utilizing a combination of traditional instruments and synthesizers. The track features experimental production techniques, including glitch effects reminiscent of a skipping CD, achieved through digital editing. Parker's approach blends elements of psychedelic rock, indie, electronica, and synth-pop, showcasing his meticulous solo production style.
- Fender Stratocaster — main
- Roland Juno-106 — synthesizer
- Concertmate MG-1 — synthesizer
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) — recording and production
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://www.musicradar.com/artists/let-it-happen-is-prog-in-its-purest-form-i-stand-by-that-one-as-decidedly-progressive-the-inventive-music-theory-of-one-of-tame-impalas-most-dazzling-songs
- https://consequence.net/2015/07/tame-impala-imposter-complex/