What guitar did Chuck Schuldiner use on Crystal Mountain?

Chuck Schuldiner used an Ibanez guitar on "Crystal Mountain," though the exact model hasn't been definitively confirmed in interviews. Based on the era and his known preferences, it was likely equipped with humbucker pickups suitable for the aggressive tone heard on the track.

How to get Death's Crystal Mountain guitar tone?

The tone requires a high-gain amp like the Peavey VTM 120, boosted with both an Ibanez Tube Screamer and Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal. Use a guitar with humbucker pickups and focus on midrange frequencies for the cutting, articulate sound characteristic of technical death metal.

What amp did Death use on Symbolic album?

Death used a Peavey VTM 120 amplifier head for the guitar tones on the Symbolic album, including "Crystal Mountain." This amp is known for delivering Marshall-style tones with a tighter low end that worked well for the band's technical death metal style.

Did Chuck Schuldiner use Boss HM-2 pedal?

Yes, Chuck Schuldiner used a Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal as part of his signal chain on "Crystal Mountain." He combined it with an Ibanez Tube Screamer to achieve extra sustain and saturation for the aggressive lead guitar tone.

Where was Death Symbolic album recorded?

Death's Symbolic album, which includes "Crystal Mountain," was recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida. The album was produced by Jim Morris, who was known for his work with many death metal bands during that era.

lead guitar from "crystal mountain" by death

crystal mountain

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lead guitar

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Tone Profile

The lead guitar tone is aggressive and cutting, with a strong midrange presence and a slight fuzziness. It's well-defined and articulate, fitting the technical death metal style.

Shop This Rig

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Ibanez Guitars(instrument)
Peavey VTM 120(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez Tube Screamer(processing)
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal(processing)

The Story

Chuck Schuldiner recorded the lead guitars for "Crystal Mountain" at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida with producer Jim Morris. The tone was achieved using an Ibanez guitar through a Peavey VTM 120 amp, boosted with both an Ibanez Tube Screamer and Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal. The aggressive, cutting sound was captured with a Shure SM57 microphone placed close to the speaker cone.

Production Credits

Producer: Death

Engineer: Jim Morris

Recorded at: Morrisound Recording, Tampa, Florida

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ibanez GuitarsShop on Reverb

Amp: Peavey VTM 120Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb, Boss HM-2 Heavy MetalShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a guitar equipped with humbucker pickups.
Use a Peavey VTM 120 amp or an amp model that emulates its tone.
Dial in a moderate amount of gain on the amp.
Add an Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal for extra sustain and saturation.
Place a Shure SM57 close to the speaker cone to capture the aggressive tone.
In the mix, focus on the midrange frequencies to bring out the articulation of the guitar.

Original Gear

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Ibanez GuitarsShop on Reverb(guitar)
Peavey VTM 120Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb(pedal)
Boss HM-2 Heavy MetalShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

PRS MT 15 Mark Tremonti Signature HeadShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Peavey VTM 120

Delivers similar Marshall-inspired aggressive midrange with tight low end that cuts through technical death metal mixes

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy MetalShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

Modern reissue of the exact HM-2 used on the recording, with improved build quality and switchable vintage/modern modes

Ibanez TS9 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb$100-$130

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer

Current production version of the classic overdrive that provides the midrange boost and sustain used in Chuck's setup

Neural DSP Soldano SLO-100 PluginPlugin Boutique$100-$130

Alternative to: Peavey VTM 120

Digital alternative that captures similar high-gain Marshall-style tones with tight response for technical playing

Ibanez RG421Shop on Reverb$300-$400

Alternative to: Ibanez guitar with humbuckers

Budget-friendly Ibanez with similar humbucker configuration and fast neck suitable for technical death metal playing

Sources

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lead guitar from “crystal mountain” by death | ToneDB