Eruption amp settings — Marshall Code 50
The Van Halen guitar tone for “Eruption”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 50 with a Fender Player Stratocaster. Studio version, Van Halen (1978)
1968 Marshall Super Lead 100W (variac-lowered voltage), Frankenstrat (bridge PAF humbucker), MXR Phase 90, Univox EC-80 Tape Echo, Sunset Sound EMT 140 plate reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 9 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 8 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 7 |
| Master | 6 |
01Onboard Mod: Phaser
Placed pre-amp on the Code 50 to recreate the front-of-amp MXR Phase 90 sweep
02Onboard Delay: Studio Delay
Emulates the slapback tape echo on the original track
On the Marshall Code 50, use the 1959 Plexi preamp model paired with the Classic 100W power section and 1960V cab. Because the Fender Player Stratocaster has a brighter, lower-output single coil than Eddie's PAF humbucker, gain is pushed to 9 and treble is rolled back slightly to tame single-coil sharpness while keeping the thick midrange bark. The Katana-style presence knob does not exist on the Code 50 front panel, so high-end presence is balanced directly via the treble control and onboard Plate/Studio reverb.
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These settings are for a Marshall Code 50. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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