TonesMatch
Flash of the Blade (2015 Remaster) — Iron Maiden1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Flash of the Blade (2015 Remaster) Guitar Tone Settings

Iron Maiden · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 1980s, as used by both Adrian Smith and Dave Murray on 'Somewhere in Time')
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge, Dave Murray); stock Fender single coils or DiMarzio HS-3 (Adrian Smith); likely bridge humbucker for main riff
Amp
Gallien-Krueger 250ML
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1986 (2015 Remaster is a remaster of the 1986 recording). Both Adrian Smith and Dave Murray used Gallien-Krueger 250ML amps for the album. Guitar likely a Stratocaster with a humbucker in the bridge for the main riff. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; tone is dry and direct. Settings estimated based on amp, genre, and era.

Amp Settings

Mids
6.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
7
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • articulate and cutting
  • high-gain solid-state saturation
  • focused low end
  • bright, harmonically rich top end
  • minimal ambience
  • dry studio sound
  • aggressive palm muting
  • clear note separation
  • fast attack

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No specific numeric amp settings for Gallien-Krueger 250ML found for this song; settings estimated based on amp, genre, and era.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; tone is dry and direct.
  • ⚠️Pickup model inferred from known guitars used by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on this album; likely bridge humbucker for main riff.
  • ⚠️If alternate sources or interviews provide different gear/settings, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Iron Maiden's 'Flash of the Blade' features a classic 80s British metal tone: tight, articulate, and mid-forward with moderate gain. Adrian Smith and Dave Murray used Marshall JCM800s with relatively high gain, balanced bass for clarity, pronounced mids for cut, and bright but not harsh treble/presence. The production is dry with little reverb, typical of mid-80s Maiden.

Sources