Symphony of Destruction amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Megadeth guitar tone for “Symphony of Destruction”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Ibanez RGA42FM. Studio version, Countdown to Extinction (1992) — iconic main rhythm riff
Jackson King V (Seymour Duncan JB bridge) into Bogner Fish / VHT 2150 & Marshall JCM800 2203 with Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabs
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
The Katana 50 MkII lacks a physical presence knob, so treble is pushed to 7 on the Brown voicing to capture Dave Mustaine's aggressive Marshall high-end bite. The Quantum humbuckers in your Ibanez have strong output and tight bass, so keep mid flat at 5 and bass at 6 to avoid muddy low-end while maintaining the defined, un-scooped thrash midrange. Reverb is kept at 0 because the studio rhythm track is bone-dry and percussive.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.