Chop Suey! amp settings — Harley Benton HB-10G
The System Of A Down guitar tone for “Chop Suey!”, dialed in for a Harley Benton HB-10G with a Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series. Studio version, Toxicity (2001)
Ibanez Iceman IC300/Gibson SG with stock humbuckers → Marshall 1959 Plexi Super Lead + Mesa/Boogie Dual/Triple Rectifier (layered), drop C tuning, no pedals for distortion (Boss DD-6 and MXR Phase 90 for cleans only)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Master | 7 |
01High-gain distortion pedal (Boss DS-1, MT-2, or similar)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. The HB-10G cannot produce Rectifier-level saturation from its preamp alone. A distortion pedal is essential for this tone. Run amp nearly clean (gain 2-3) when using this pedal.
The HB-10G is a 10W practice amp with a small speaker and limited gain — it physically cannot reach the Mesa Rectifier saturation of the original. Amp gain maxed still sounds thin and fizzy rather than crushing. You NEED a high-gain distortion pedal to get the saturation; run the amp nearly clean (gain 2-3) and let the pedal do the heavy lifting. Treble pushed to 7 compensates for your HSS Strat's slightly darker humbucker vs Malakian's hot Iceman pickups. Mid scooped to 4 mimics the Rectifier's signature scoop.
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These settings are for a Harley Benton HB-10G. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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