Back In Black amp settings — Marshall JCM800 2203

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Back In Black”, dialed in for a Marshall JCM800 2203 with a Fender American Ultra Stratocaster. Studio version, Back In Black album (1980), Compass Point Studios with Mutt Lange producing

Original rig

1971 Gibson SG Standard (bridge humbucker) → Schaffer Vega Diversity System (wireless/preamp) → Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi + JTM50, Marshall 4x12 with G12-65 speakers

Crunchy, tight British overdrive with scooped mids, aggressive treble bite, and punchy low-end weight

Amp settings — Marshall JCM800 2203

CHANNELHigh Treble input (or link High Treble + High Normal for fuller sound)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	6
Mid	4
Treble	6
Presence	7
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Your JCM800 2203 has a master volume and more preamp gain on tap than the original Plexi, so gain at 6 gets you into similar crunch territory without the ear-splitting volume. The Strat's single coils are brighter and lower output than the SG's humbuckers—I've pulled treble down 1 point from the original's 7 and bumped bass up 1 to compensate for the thinner low-end. Presence pushed to 7 restores the aggressive attack that single coils naturally provide less of.

PRO TIPDig in hard with the pick right over the bridge pickup—Angus's attack is extremely aggressive and consistent, and the Strat will reward that with more midrange bark that helps it approach humbucker territory.

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These settings are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Marshall JCM800 2203 settingsALL SONGS FOR THIS AMP Back In Black on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP AC/DC tonesALL SONGS Fender American Ultra Stratocaster tonesSAME GUITAR Tone libraryEVERYTHING

Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.