Runnin with the devil amp settings — Marshall MG30FX
The Van Halen guitar tone for “Runnin with the devil”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30FX with a Squier Sonic strat HT. Studio version, Van Halen I (1978)
Frankenstrat (Gibson PAF humbucker, bridge) → MXR Phase 90 → 1968 Marshall Plexi Super Lead 100W (Variac'd to ~89V) → Echoplex tape delay (subtle slap)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01MXR Phase 90 (or equivalent phaser)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for the verse chord swells. Set slow. Engage only during verses, bypass for chorus/solo. A Behringer VP1 or Donner Jet Convolution are budget alternatives.
Your Squier Sonic HT has single coils vs Eddie's hot PAF humbucker — I pushed mid to 7 (vs original's 6) and dropped treble to 5 (vs 7) to compensate for the brighter, thinner single-coil output. Bass dropped to 4 to prevent mud since the MG30FX's solid-state voicing can get boomy. The MG lacks the Plexi's power-tube sag, so the tone will be tighter and less 'spongy' — rolling your guitar tone to 7 softens the attack slightly to approximate that response.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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