Thrash Metal1992Countdown to Extinction
Symphony of Destruction Amp Settings
by Megadeth
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Original Recording Settings
Well-SourcedResearched tone data for "Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth
Original Gear
- Guitar
- Jackson King V (Silver Sparkle)
- Pickups
- Seymour Duncan TB-4 JB (bridge) (bridge)
- Amplifier
- Custom Audio Electronics (CAE) 3+ preamp / VHT 2150 power amp
- Channel
- Not specified
- Tuning
- standard
- Pickup Selector
- bridge
- Strings
- GHS .010–.052
CAE 3+ preamp into VHT 2150 (6550 tubes). Cabinets: Marshall 4×12 with Celestion Vintage 30s. Mustaine preferred extremely minimal effects setups.
Amp Settings
Gain
7.0
Bass
5.0
Mid
5.0
Treble
8.0
Presence
5.0
Estimated for Mustaine's sharper, more midrange-present tone vs. typical scooped thrash. No published knob positions.
Effects Chain
No effects - straight into the amp
Playing Technique
Aggressive alternate picking with precise palm muting, heavy downpicking on rhythmic patterns. Dunlop Tortex .73mm picks.
Sources+
- Equipboard (Dave Mustaine profile): Jackson King V, CAE 3+, VHT 2150, Seymour Duncan TB-4 JB confirmed.
- Seymour Duncan Forum chronology: CAE 3+ specified for Countdown era (3+SE came later for Youthanasia).
- WoodyTone.com, Ground Guitar, Guitar Lobby: tone analysis and gear context.
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