GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Aces High (2015 Remaster) Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ibanez Destroyer (likely 1975 model, used by Adrian Smith on Powerslave sessions)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker (bridge position, stock for this era/model)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1984 Powerslave sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1984 (Powerslave); Adrian Smith solo; Ibanez Destroyer confirmed for this era; Marshall JCM800 is the documented amp for Maiden's 80s studio tones. No evidence of additional pedals for the solo section.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- singing sustain
- articulate pick attack
- clear note separation
- aggressive bridge pickup bite
- slight midrange emphasis
- fast alternate picking clarity
- minimal ambient wash
- focused and compressed
- classic 80s British metal lead sound
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Aces High' solo; settings estimated based on typical 1980s Marshall JCM800 usage for Iron Maiden studio recordings.
- Ibanez Destroyer and DiMarzio Super Distortion confirmed for Adrian Smith in this era, but not 100% confirmed for this exact solo—confidence based on era and photographic evidence.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the solo section; delay, chorus, or flanger are not audibly present in the solo.
- Reverb setting is estimated as low, based on typical studio use and dry solo tone.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Adrian Smith and Dave Murray used Marshall JCM800s with moderate-high gain for tight, articulate 80s metal leads; mids are forward for classic British bite, bass is tight to avoid muddiness, treble and presence are high for clarity and cut, and reverb is minimal as the production is very dry and direct.