View post (Angus Young (AC/DC) Tone)

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JeffS65
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Joined: 10/07/08
Posts: 1,602
JeffS65
Registered User
Joined: 10/07/08
Posts: 1,602
09/21/2014 1:31 pm
Though I do disagree that you can't get AC/DC-like tone with a Strat. Here's an early mixed version of something I did a couple of years ago (link). I used Strat and IK Multimedia's Amplitube with a sim called 'Cream' but did do several tweaks to the amp sim tone etc.

A few things to remember when getting your practice tone; the tone you have when playing by yourself as compared to the tone when playing within a band is very different. AC/DC had a big studio budget and one of the best rock Producers of all time.

That doesn't mean you won't get a good tone from your equipment but it is good to set the expectation of how good it can get.

A few things to keep in mind. The amp settings you use should be leaning towards 'overdrive' type of settings. No distortions. I think for that Zoom, you have a simple Overdrive and something like 'Guv'nor'...Those might be the first go-to's. Set the 'amp' as a stack and maybe a little Analog delay.

You may also want to consider your pick-up selector setting. Set the pick-up selector between the bridge and middle pick-up. Don't use the bridge only setting. It's too bright and will end up giving you a country rock twang (not desired). By putting it on the 'between' setting, you remove a little of the brightness but still get that clean but overdriven sound.

If your actual amp has a three band EQ (Bass/Mid/Treble), I would use those as your primary EQing. You have the most control with a turnable knob.

Just remember that AC/DC, in addition to having a great studio and Producer, also player Marshall's at 10 with lots of air and velocity pushing out of the speakers. The force of air is hard to replicate. This is where you need to set your expectation.

So with that said, just a few thoughts that may help. I've never really used a Zoom so I don't know what it's capable of but keeping things less distorted and using the tools you do have to tweak the sound, you may get pleasantly close.