Tone library / Tame Impala / Loser

Loser amp settings — SpiderV20 Mk2

The Tame Impala guitar tone for “Loser”, dialed in for a SpiderV20 Mk2 with a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster. Studio version, Loser (2025)

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster / Rickenbacker direct into preamp console with tape compression and mild room reverb

Dry, punchy 70s Anatolian-psych clean riff tone with tight low-end and crisp top
Amp settings — SpiderV20 Mk2
CHANNELClean (Pure Console / Studio Preamp model)BRIGHToffBOOSToff
GAIN 3 BASS 4 MID 6 TREBLE 7 REVERB 2 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain3
Bass4
Mid6
Treble7
Reverb2
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPneck+middle TONE8 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Onboard Compressor (Red Comp block)

Engage the onboard compressor block to recreate the punchy direct-to-console tape transient squish

Sustain 6 · Level 7

02Onboard Tape Delay / Mild Room

Set subtle to emulate studio console room ambiance

Mix 2 · Decay 3
Why these settings

Kevin Parker's signature psych-clean is tracked direct into a console rather than through a traditional miked tube cab. On the Spider V 20 MkII, select the Clean/Acoustic preamp voicing with gain low to avoid breakup, pushing mids for punch while trimming bass to prevent low-end boominess from the small 8-inch speaker. The Squier's neck+middle (position 4) out-of-phase quack closely matches the studio track's distinct percussive attack.

PRO TIPPick right over the middle pickup using a stiff, medium-heavy plectrum with snappy downstrokes to maximize the sharp, transient-heavy percussive snap of the riff.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a SpiderV20 Mk2. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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