Crystal Mountain amp settings — Boss ME-80

The Death guitar tone for “Crystal Mountain”, dialed in for a Boss ME-80 with a Gibson SG Modern. Studio version, Symbolic (1995)

Original rig

Marshall Valvestate 8100 head, BC Rich Stealth guitar with DiMarzio pickups, recorded at Morrisound Recording with Jim Morris

Tight, aggressive mid-forward high-gain with scooped low-mids, razor-sharp pick attack, and controlled low-end thump

Amp settings — Boss ME-80

CHANNELEXTREME amp type

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Boss ME-80 Noise Suppressor (NS)

Gate before amp to tighten palm mutes

Threshold 4

02Boss ME-80 Compressor (COMP)

Light compression for consistent pick attack

Sustain 3 · Level 6

03Boss ME-80 Parametric EQ (EQ)

Scoop 400-600Hz, boost 2-3kHz for Valvestate character

Low 5 · Low-Mid 3 · High-Mid 7 · High 6 · Level 5

Why these settings

The Valvestate 8100 was a solid-state/tube hybrid with a distinctive scooped-yet-cutting mid character. The ME-80's EXTREME amp type gets closest to that tight, aggressive response. Mid set to 4 with the parametric EQ scooping low-mids recreates the Valvestate's signature scoop while the high-mid boost preserves Chuck's razor attack. Gain at 7 rather than maxed keeps note definition clear for the technical riffs.

PRO TIPChuck Schuldiner picked extremely close to the bridge with a stiff pick and precise downstrokes on the chugs—this picking position is half the tone. Practice the main riff with all downstrokes at the bridge pickup's pole pieces for that iconic percussive chunk.

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These settings are for a Boss ME-80. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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