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T.N.T. Riff Guitar Tone Settings — AC/DC
AC/DC · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson SG Standard (early 1970s, likely 1970-1971, stock)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (stock, likely patent sticker T-tops)
Amp
Marshall Super Lead 1959 100-watt (Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, non-master volume, cranked)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1975 (album: High Voltage, Australian release). Angus Young's signal path for 'T.N.T.' is extremely simple: Gibson SG into a cranked Marshall Super Lead. No pedals or effects except possibly a Schaffer-Vega Diversity System wireless unit (used as a preamp/boost in some sessions, but not confirmed for this specific track). No reverb or time-based effects. All tone is from amp and guitar. Pickup selector set to bridge. No evidence of pedals or amp effects on the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids7.5
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- British crunch
- tight and percussive
- mid-forward attack
- raw and uncompressed
- bright and articulate
- dynamic and touch-sensitive
- aggressive bridge pickup
- clear note separation
- vicious crunch
- classic Marshall overdrive
Notes & Caveats
- No specific numeric amp settings for 'T.N.T.' studio session found; settings estimated based on era, amp model, and genre using multiple reputable sources.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; all sources and audio confirm a dry, direct amp tone.
- Some sources mention the Schaffer-Vega Diversity System as a live/boost device, but there is no confirmation for its use on the original 'T.N.T.' studio recording.
- Settings are typical for a cranked Marshall Plexi in classic rock context; minor variations may exist depending on studio setup.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Malcolm Young's 'T.N.T.' tone is classic Marshall crunch with moderate gain, strong mids, and a tight low end, reflecting his preference for a dry, punchy, mid-forward sound. The recording is very dry (no reverb), and the amp settings emphasize clarity, attack, and the signature AC/DC bite.