GuitarDistortedRiff
N.I.B. Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath · 1970s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1965 Gibson SG Special
Pickups
P-90 single coil (stock on 1965 SG Special, but likely modified for playability after Iommi's accident)
Amp
Laney Supergroup MK1 100-watt head with Laney 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12-25M or Goodman Audiom 61 speakers)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1969-1970, Black Sabbath debut album. No fuzz pedal used; distortion from amp and Dallas Rangemaster treble booster. Settings reflect studio use, not live. Pickup and amp confirmed for this era and song.
Amp Settings
Mids8
Bass5
Gain7
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Dallas-Arbiter Rangemaster Treble Booster · boost
Guitar → Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster → Laney Supergroup MK1 head → Laney 4x12 cabinet
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Tone Character
- monstrously thick and saturated
- rich upper midrange
- aggressive and biting
- tight and percussive attack
- sustained power chords
- crunchy and raw
- slightly compressed
- minimal low end (bass rolled off)
- vintage British amp character
- distinct treble presence