Reproducing AC/DC's "Back in Black Tone"
Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 1:23 pm
George knows it, some others know it, I've been on it for as long as I can remember.
Recently bought a few late '70s JMPs, and came down to this.
I am working hard on it. To me, it's the best guitar tone ever made, still to this day.
A few info and sundclips for your review.
I would like to thank member "Roe" (I think he is from this forum) as he posted some very interesting information about AC/DC equipment.
Thanks,
SD
Well, long story short: after literally years of searching (badly) and rehearsing, I think I have found the amps - or the amps types - used in Back in Black by the brothers.
Now, that album - Back in Black - is no easy task, despite it may sound simple, it ain't easy. But this, you - reader - probably knew already.
My ultimate attempt is and has been, the replication of Back in Black tone.
I have begun a long time ago, but only during the last two months I feel I have made progress to an interesting point.
The amplifiers I am using now are several late '70s JMPs.
Here, in this sound file, a 1976 JMP Super Lead has been used with a 1971 Gibson SG standard for rhythm and a 1967 SG Standard for the solo.
I need your ears.
Here's the equalization curves I used (I used an Audio Technica AT4047 close on AXIS to the cone of a 1969 4x12 Marshall Cabinet with original greenbacks in it, which I think were used as well on the original recording; I am waiting on another cabinet with G12H30s from 1973 to try and see differences):
Lead tone:
Settings for the head for the lead were:
Presence 0, Bass 10, mids 10, treble 10, Volume I 10, guitar volume 8.
Rhythm curve:
Settings for the rhythm were: presence 0, bass 8, mids 4, treble 6, volume 8, guitar volume 7.
What do YOU think? How would you equalize? I worked hard on all this.
Frankly, while I think I am almost there on the rhythm parts, I feel the solo needs another curve or other settings. Help.
Thanks for reading,
SD
PS
I have a site working on all of this, here's the post link:
1976 Marshall Super Lead MkII & Back in Black
(needs registration)
CLIPS:
Whole song:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9765770" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Parts (no track):
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9765771" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Recently bought a few late '70s JMPs, and came down to this.
I am working hard on it. To me, it's the best guitar tone ever made, still to this day.
A few info and sundclips for your review.
I would like to thank member "Roe" (I think he is from this forum) as he posted some very interesting information about AC/DC equipment.
Thanks,
SD
Well, long story short: after literally years of searching (badly) and rehearsing, I think I have found the amps - or the amps types - used in Back in Black by the brothers.
Now, that album - Back in Black - is no easy task, despite it may sound simple, it ain't easy. But this, you - reader - probably knew already.
My ultimate attempt is and has been, the replication of Back in Black tone.
I have begun a long time ago, but only during the last two months I feel I have made progress to an interesting point.
The amplifiers I am using now are several late '70s JMPs.
Here, in this sound file, a 1976 JMP Super Lead has been used with a 1971 Gibson SG standard for rhythm and a 1967 SG Standard for the solo.
I need your ears.
Here's the equalization curves I used (I used an Audio Technica AT4047 close on AXIS to the cone of a 1969 4x12 Marshall Cabinet with original greenbacks in it, which I think were used as well on the original recording; I am waiting on another cabinet with G12H30s from 1973 to try and see differences):
Lead tone:
Settings for the head for the lead were:
Presence 0, Bass 10, mids 10, treble 10, Volume I 10, guitar volume 8.
Rhythm curve:
Settings for the rhythm were: presence 0, bass 8, mids 4, treble 6, volume 8, guitar volume 7.
What do YOU think? How would you equalize? I worked hard on all this.
Frankly, while I think I am almost there on the rhythm parts, I feel the solo needs another curve or other settings. Help.
Thanks for reading,
SD
PS
I have a site working on all of this, here's the post link:
1976 Marshall Super Lead MkII & Back in Black
(needs registration)
CLIPS:
Whole song:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9765770" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Parts (no track):
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9765771" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;