Holy wars amp settings — Marshall MG50GFX
The Megadeth guitar tone for “Holy wars”, dialed in for a Marshall MG50GFX with a Jackson JS32 Rhoads. Studio version, Rust in Peace (1990)
Marshall JCM800 2203 + Jackson King V (Seymour Duncan JB bridge) + Ibanez TS-9 boost + VHT 2150 power amp / Bogner Triple Giant preamp
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is critical for the Rust in Peace tone. The TS-9 tightens the low end and adds midrange focus for palm-mute definition. Without it, the MG's gain will feel looser and less articulate. A Behringer TO800 or Boss SD-1 are budget alternatives.
The MG50GFX is a solid-state amp with a tighter, less dynamic response than the original JCM800 tube head. I dropped gain from 8 to 7 because the MG's OD channel compresses faster and loses note separation at high settings. Bass raised +1 from the original's 5 to compensate for the MG's thinner low-end voicing. Mids stay scooped at 4 for that classic thrash scoop, but the MG's mid frequency is higher than a JCM800's, so the scoop won't be quite as dramatic. Your Jackson JS32 with its Duncan Designed pickups is close to Mustaine's JB-loaded King V — no guitar compensation needed.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG50GFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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