Tone library / Acdc / Back on black

Back on black amp settings — Fender Mustang

The Acdc guitar tone for “Back on black”, dialed in for a Fender Mustang with a Epiphone Sg. Studio version, Back in Black album (1980), Compass Point Studios

Original rig

1970/71 Gibson SG Standard (bridge humbucker) → Schaffer-Vega Diversity System → Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi & JTM50 heads, Marshall 4x12 cabs with G12-65 speakers

Crunchy, mid-forward British rock tone with tight low end, biting attack, and harmonic clarity — breakup from amp pushed hard, not pedals
Amp settings — Fender Mustang
CHANNELBritish '70s or '80s amp model (closest to Marshall Plexi voicing)BRIGHTonBOOSToff
GAIN 6 BASS 5 MID 8 TREBLE 6 PRESENCE 6 REVERB 0 MASTER 7
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain6
Bass5
Mid8
Treble6
Presence6
Reverb0
Master7
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Why these settings

The Fender Mustang is naturally scooped and Fender-voiced, so mid is pushed to 8 (vs ~7 on the original Marshall) to compensate for the missing mid-forward British character. Treble dropped to 6 because the Mustang's digital treble can get harsh where a Plexi stays warm. Select the British-voiced amp model in the Mustang's menu to get closer to the Plexi's EL34 growl.

PRO TIPAngus got his crunch from picking dynamics and amp volume, not gain — dig in hard with a stiff pick near the bridge for that snappy attack, and roll your guitar volume to 8 for cleaner passages to mimic his touch-sensitive breakup.

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

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