Tone library / Ozzy Osborne / Crazy train

Crazy train amp settings — John Hdrnby skewes BB blaster

The Ozzy Osborne guitar tone for “Crazy train”, dialed in for a John Hdrnby skewes BB blaster with a Fender Jaguar. Studio version, Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

Original rig

1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom (bridge humbucker) → MXR Distortion+ (Output: 10, Distortion: 4) → MXR 10-Band EQ (500Hz boosted to +10, mids heavily emphasized) → Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead 100W (Presence: 5, Bass: 2, Mid: 6, Treble: 7, Volume I: 6) into Altec 417-8H loaded 4x12 cabs

Mid-forward, articulate crunch with tight low-end and singing sustain — the Distortion+ provides the grit, not the amp alone
Amp settings — John Hdrnby skewes BB blaster
GAIN 3 BASS 2 TREBLE 6 MASTER 7
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain3
Bass2
Treble6
Master7
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Distortion Pedal (TS-style or DS-1)

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is essential; Randy's tone came from the MXR Distortion+ into a relatively clean amp. A Boss DS-1, Joyo Vintage Overdrive, or any affordable distortion will get you close. Set the amp clean and let the pedal do the work.

Gain/Drive 4 · Tone 6 · Level/Output 8
Why these settings

The JHS BB Blaster is an unrecognized amp — I've provided universal knob positions only. Randy's original tone had bass set very low (2 on the Marshall) to keep the riff tight; keep your bass equally low. The Jaguar's single coils are brighter and lower output than Randy's Les Paul humbuckers, so I dropped treble by 1 from the original value. Without a distortion pedal, your amp cannot reach this tone — gain 3 keeps the amp clean as a platform for the recommended pedal.

PRO TIPRandy's pick attack was aggressive and precise — use a medium pick, strike closer to the bridge, and keep your fretting hand muting tight to get that percussive chunk on the main riff.

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