Thunderstruck amp settings — LANEY LX35R

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Thunderstruck”, dialed in for a LANEY LX35R with a SX SG. Studio version, The Razors Edge (1990)

Original rig

Gibson SG Standard (low-output Seymour Duncan humbuckers) → 100-watt Marshall Super Lead (Plexi) / 2203 JMP, no pedals

Mid-forward crunch with picking clarity — power-amp saturation, not modern high-gain

Amp settings — LANEY LX35R

CHANNELOverdrive

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	6
Mid	8
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Laney LX35R is a solid-state Marshall-voiced amp — closer to the original than a Fender, but lacks the power-amp bloom of a cranked Plexi. Gain pushed to 6 (vs original's ~5) to compensate for missing tube compression. Mid raised to 8 (vs original's 6-7) because solid-state amps need extra mid presence to avoid sounding sterile. Bass up to 6 to match the SG's natural warmth. No presence control on the LX35R — treble at 7 handles the top-end bite. Reverb off — the original is bone-dry. The Laney won't roar like a 100-watt tube amp, but this gets the cutting mid-forward crunch and picking clarity.

PRO TIPThe Thunderstruck intro lives on pick attack — use a firm downstroke, strike closer to the bridge for definition, and let the notes ring slightly rather than choking them. Roll your guitar volume back to 8 for the rhythm riff underneath the intro if you need less grit, then snap it back to 10 for the solo.

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These settings are for a LANEY LX35R. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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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.