GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Born to Kill Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Social Distortion
Social Distortion · 1990s · punk
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1968 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop
Pickups
P-90 single coil
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1996. Guitar and amp confirmed for 'White Light, White Heat, White Trash' era. No direct evidence of pedals or effects for this solo, but amp and guitar are well-documented for this album and era.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb2
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- thick and mid-forward
- biting upper mids
- punchy and articulate
- slightly gritty edge
- singing sustain
- dynamic pick attack
- vintage P-90 clarity
- touch of natural amp reverb
- open and raw
- classic punk crunch
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp or pedal settings for 'Born to Kill' solo; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage in punk/rock context and era.
- No evidence of specific pedals used on this solo; no delay, chorus, or modulation effects are audible in the solo section.
- Guitar and amp are confirmed for the album/era but not for this specific song section; settings are inferred from genre and era norms.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mike Ness is known for a crunchy, mid-forward tone using vintage Marshalls or Bassmans with moderate gain, strong mids, and balanced bass/treble. The solo on 'Born to Kill' has a classic punk/hard rock crunch with some air and subtle reverb, typical of late 80s Social Distortion production.