Paranoid amp settings — Blackstar Debute 10E
The Blacksabbath guitar tone for “Paranoid”, dialed in for a Blackstar Debute 10E with a Yamaha Pacifica. Studio version, Paranoid album (1970)
Gibson SG Standard → Dallas Rangemaster (modded treble booster) → Laney LA100BL 100-watt head, cranked with presence/mid/treble at 10, bass at 0
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 2 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 8 |
| Presence | 0 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Treble Booster (e.g., TC Electronic Spark Booster or EHX LPB-1)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Critical to the Iommi tone; the Rangemaster pushed the amp's front end and added that sizzling top-end bite. Without this, the tone will lack aggression and cut.
Iommi ran bass at 0 and everything else maxed; the Blackstar's ISF-voiced EQ is darker than a Laney, so bass stays low at 2 but mid and treble push to 7-8 to recover that cutting bite. The Debut 10E's OD channel provides adequate gain but lacks the Rangemaster's treble-focused saturation—a treble booster pedal in front is the missing piece for authentic aggression.
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These settings are for a Blackstar Debute 10E. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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