GuitarDistortedRiff
Deathcrush Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Mayhem
Mayhem · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (sunburst, late 1970s/early 1980s, as seen in period photos)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely stock, passive, uncovered in some photos)
Amp
Marshall JMP 1987 Mk II Super Lead 50w Head (1976-77) with Master Volume Mod, Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Blackback speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1987; all gear confirmed for Deathcrush era via Equipboard and period photos. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. No evidence of amp-based effects used.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass5.5
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble7.5
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Arion SMM-1 Metal Master · distortion
- Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer · overdrive
Gibson Les Paul → Arion SMM-1 Metal Master → Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer → Marshall JMP 1987 Mk II Super Lead 50w → Marshall 4x12 (Celestion G12M Blackback)
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Tone Character
- chainsaw-like distortion
- raw and abrasive
- lo-fi and gritty
- tight and percussive attack
- scooped but present mids
- buzzsaw saturation
- minimal clarity, intentionally harsh
- no audible reverb or delay
- aggressive palm muting
- classic black metal rhythm