Paranoid amp settings — Harley Benton HB-20
The Black Sabbath guitar tone for “Paranoid”, dialed in for a Harley Benton HB-20 with a Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series. Studio version, Paranoid (1970)
Gibson SG Standard (bridge pickup) → Dallas Rangemaster treble booster → Laney LA100BL 100W, standard tuning
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Treble Booster (Dallas Rangemaster-style)
RECOMMENDED — not owned. The Rangemaster is the tone on this recording; without it, push amp gain to 9-10 and treble to 8 to compensate, but it won't hit the same cut. A TC Electronic Spark Booster or EHX LPB-1 (set bright) gets you 75% there for under $60.
The HB-20 is a 2-band (bass/treble only) solid-state practice amp with no mid control or presence knob. Iommi's Laney ran mids at 6, presence at 6-7, and bass scooped to near-zero because the treble booster added low-mid thickness. On your amp, bass at 3 keeps the low-end tight without mud; treble at 7 compensates for the missing presence control. Gain at 8 approximates the preamp overdrive Iommi got by overloading the Laney's input with the Rangemaster — this is the amp doing all the work since you lack the booster. Your Strat-style single-coil bridge pickup is thinner and brighter than Iommi's SG humbuckers, so the bass-cut works in your favor and the high treble setting won't get harsh.
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These settings are for a Harley Benton HB-20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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