Holy wars amp settings — Peavey ValveKing 20

The Megadeth guitar tone for “Holy wars”, dialed in for a Peavey ValveKing 20 with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Rust in Peace (1990) — Dave Mustaine rhythm track

Original rig

Jackson King V (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) into modified Marshall JCM800 2203, Boss NS-2, rack studio processing

Aggressive, razor-sharp thrash crunch with tight low-end, forward upper-mids, and dry percussive attack

Amp settings — Peavey ValveKing 20

CHANNELLeadBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01TC Electronic Iron Curtain

Set tight in front of the amp to kill palm-mute trail noise instantly

Threshold 7 · Decay 2

02MXR 6 Band EQ

FX loop (or direct in front after gate) to tighten the sub-lows and push the signature 800Hz-1.6kHz JCM800 thrash bite

100Hz 4 · 200Hz 5 · 400Hz 6 · 800Hz 8 · 1.6kHz 7 · 3.2kHz 6

Why these settings

The ValveKing Lead channel carries the primary high-gain crunch; keep its gain around 6 rather than maxed to retain the clarity of fast riffs. The MXR 6-Band EQ is used to emulate Dave's Marshall upper-mid bark by boosting 800Hz and cutting sub-bass looseness. The SG Standard's bridge humbucker delivers the necessary attack, while the Iron Curtain noise gate clamps down between rapid staccato chugs.

PRO TIPAnchor your palm firmly against the bridge saddles and dig in aggressively with a heavy, sharp pick (1.0mm+) to produce the characteristic dry, percussive click of Mustaine's rhythm tracks.

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These settings are for a Peavey ValveKing 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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