Vox Valvetronix VT40X settings
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version) settings for Vox Valvetronix VT40X
The Cure · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Cure "Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)" riff tone on a Vox Valvetronix VT40X, select the Deluxe CL preset, then set Gain 1.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Bias shift 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Kramer Striker 100ST · updated 2026-10-15
- Preset / mode
- Deluxe CL
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox Valvetronix VT40X knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Bias shift
- 0
- Power level
- 8
- Class selector
- 0
Built-in effects
- Chorus on
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a prominent level to recreate the signature shimmer of the original tone.
- Keep your strumming open and percussive to maintain the tight rhythm characteristic of the riff.
- Ensure your playing is articulate to achieve clear note separation.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Kramer Striker 100ST · updated 2026-10-15
- Preset / mode
- VOX AC30
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox Valvetronix VT40X knobs
- Gain
- 3.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Bias shift
- 1
- Power level
- 8
- Class selector
- 1
Built-in effects
- Delay on
- Chorus on
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
- Flanger on
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to a prominent level to recreate the signature shimmer of the original tone.
- Engage the flanger effect for a swirling modulation during the solo for added texture.
- Set your amp's delay to a moderate level to add depth and space to your solo lines.
The original rig
What The Cure used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox Valvetronix VT40X actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos)
- Amp
- Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone)
- Gain
- 0
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 3
Different guitar or pedals? Get Boys Don't Cry (Single Version) adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Cure's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Vox Valvetronix VT40X for Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)?
Start from the Deluxe CL preset, then set Gain 1.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Bias shift 0.
Which pickup should I use for Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Cure use on Boys Don't Cry (Single Version)?
Guitar: Gibson ES-175 (single pickup, black, as seen in official music video and period photos). Amp: Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus (likely, based on period-correct live/studio use and signature clean tone).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Kramer Striker 100ST. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Boys Don't Cry (Single Version) on other amps
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Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.