Empty Words — Death1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedSolo

Empty Words Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Death

Death · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
B.C. Rich Stealth (custom, fixed bridge, likely black finish)
Pickups
DiMarzio DP102 X2N (humbucker, high output)
Amp
Marshall Valvestate 8100 head and cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1995. Chuck Schuldiner stated he used a Marshall Valvestate head and cab with no pedals except a little chorus on leads. No distortion pedal used for this era; direct into amp. Source confirms this setup for 'Symbolic' album sessions.

Amp Settings

Mids
5
Bass
6
Gain
8
Reverb
1
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus

B.C. Rich Stealth → Chorus pedal (model unknown, only for solo) → Marshall Valvestate 8100 head and cabinet

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Tone Character

  • tight and articulate
  • singing sustain
  • slightly scooped mids
  • bright and cutting
  • minimal reverb
  • chorus-enhanced width
  • percussive pick attack
  • fluid legato
  • clear note separation
  • aggressive high-gain saturation

Sources