Tone library / Tool / Vicarious

Vicarious amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR

The Tool guitar tone for “Vicarious”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL40CR with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, 10,000 Days (2006)

Original rig

Diezel VH4 (Ch3) + Friedman-modded Marshall Super Bass, 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst w/ Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup

Tight, saturated high-gain with strong mid presence, punchy low-end, and articulate pick attack
Amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR
CHANNELUltra Gain (Lead mode)BRIGHToffBOOSToff
GAIN 7 BASS 5 MID 8 TREBLE 6 PRESENCE 6 REVERB 0 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass5
Mid8
Treble6
Presence6
Reverb0
Master5
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10
Why these settings

The DSL40CR's Ultra Gain channel approximates the Diezel's tight saturation reasonably well. Mids pushed to 8 to compensate for the DSL's naturally more scooped voicing vs the VH4's thick midrange. Bass dropped to 5 (vs original ~6) because the Ibanez's humbuckers and basswood body add low-end that the Les Paul's mahogany handles differently—prevents mud. Gain at 7 rather than 8+ because the GRG170DX's ceramic humbuckers run hotter than the JB, reaching saturation earlier.

PRO TIPTune to Drop D. Adam Jones uses extremely precise, controlled palm muting right at the bridge saddles—not loose and far back. This is what gives Tool riffs that percussive, almost mechanical chunk. Practice muting with minimal pressure for clarity.

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