Loser amp settings — Yamaha GA-15

The Tame Impala guitar tone for “Loser”, dialed in for a Yamaha GA-15 with a Yamaha ERG 121C. Studio version, Deadbeat (2025)

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster / Rickenbacker direct-injected into console preamp with tape saturation and mild room reverb

Dry, punchy 70s Anatolian-psych clean riff tone with tight low-end and crisp top

Amp settings — Yamaha GA-15

CHANNELCleanBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	4
Mid	6
Treble	7
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPneck+middle TONE9 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Compressor (e.g. MXR Dyna Comp)

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; emulates the direct-in console tape squish

Output 7 · Sensitivity 6

Why these settings

The studio recording uses a direct-to-tape clean console input, so the GA-15 must stay strictly on the Clean channel (Drive switch OFF) with minimal gain. The ERG 121C in position 4 (split neck+middle) provides the required Strat-like quack and chime, while cutting the amp's small-speaker bass prevents mud. Boosting mids and treble compensates for the lack of studio console preamp clarity.

PRO TIPPick firmly with a stiff pick very close to the bridge saddles to accentuate the percussive, funky 'plink' attack characteristic of Kevin Parker's DI guitar tracks.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Yamaha GA-15. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.