Post Punk1980Single (non-album)
Love Will Tear Us Apart Amp Settings
by Joy Division
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Original Recording Settings
EstimatedResearched tone data for "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division
Original Gear
- Guitar
- Shergold Masquerader (Bernard Sumner) with DiMarzio humbuckers; Hagström HII and Fender-style guitars also associated with era
- Pickups
- DiMarzio humbuckers in Shergold Masquerader (exact model unknown) (bridge for most lead/riff parts)
- Amplifier
- Vox AC30-style amp approximating JMI Vox UL730 character
- Channel
- Top Boost channel pushed into breakup
- Tuning
- E standard
- Pickup Selector
- bridge
- Strings
- Not documented
MusicStrive and Guitarchalk both describe Joy Division tones as Vox-style; MusicStrive gives specific settings per song using an AC30 to emulate the UL730, including Love Will Tear Us Apart.[web:1][web:144]
Amp Settings
Gain
4.0
Bass
6.0
Mid
4.0
Treble
6.0
Presence
4.0
Master Volume
4.0
Settings (Gain 4, Volume 4, Bass 6, Middle 4, Treble 6, Presence 4) are from MusicStrive’s Joy Division guitar-tone guide; Guitarchalk provides a similar Vox/Laney recipe. No primary studio recall exists, so treat as an approximation.[web:1][web:144]
Effects Chain
→
→Electro-Harmonix Clone Theory or similar chorus
chorus
1.Electro-Harmonix Clone Theory or similar chorus — Clone Theory is cited as a key modulation pedal for Sumner’s clean tones, including Love Will Tear Us Apart.[web:1][web:144]
Playing Technique
Clean, arpeggiated chords with light chorus; emphasis on tight timing and letting notes ring while keeping dynamics relatively even.
Sources+
- Amp Settings for "Love Will Tear Us Apart" — https://www.guitarchalk.com/love-will-tear-us-apart-amp-settings/ — Vox/Laney amp suggestions and chorus recommendations.[web:1]
- Joy Division Guitar Tone – Complete Guide — https://musicstrive.com/joy-division-guitar-tone/ — Provides per-song AC30 settings for Love Will Tear Us Apart (Gain 4, Volume 4, Bass 6, Middle 4, Treble 6, Presence 4) and discusses UL730 heritage.[web:144]
- Rig Rundown: Joy Division 'Unknown Pleasures' — https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/rig-rundown-joy-division-unknown-pleasures/ — Covers Shergold Masquerader with DiMarzio pickups and general Joy Division amp choices.[web:4]
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