Classic Rock1979Highway to Hell

Highway to Hell Amp Settings

by AC/DC

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Original Recording Settings

Well-SourcedResearched tone data for "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

Original Gear

Guitar: Early 1970s Gibson SG Standard (factory second, cherry red, purchased 1978)
Pickups: Stock Gibson T-Top humbuckers (bridge (leads); volume knob rolled to ~5–6 for rhythm, up to 10 for solos)
Amplifier: 1970s Marshall 1959 100W Super Lead (Plexi)
Channel: High Treble input (jumpered with Normal, cranked)
Tuning: Eb standard (half step down)
Pickup Selector: bridge

Non-master-volume. EL34 power tubes. Cabinets: Marshall 4×12 with Celestion G12-65 speakers. Angus uses guitar volume knob heavily — rolled back for rhythm, cranked for solos.

Amp Settings

Gain

10.0

Bass

5.0

Mid

7.0

Treble

7.0

Presence

5.0

Volume

10.0

Non-master-volume amp cranked for power amp overdrive. Estimated from documented AC/DC rig context. Angus controls dynamics primarily via guitar volume knob.

Effects Chain

→

Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS)

wireless/compressor/boost

→

1.Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (SVDS) — The 'secret weapon' — contains proprietary compander circuit adding sustain, harmonic richness, ~30dB clean boost, and characteristic 'fizz' on attack. No traditional effects pedals.

Playing Technique

Angus Young lead guitar. Volume knob control is essential — rolled back for rhythm, cranked for solos. Tony Platt (engineer): 'People ask me how I got Angus Young's guitar sound, and I reply: You need a Marshall amp, a Marshall cabinet, a Gibson SG Standard, and Angus!'

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