Black Sabbath
The Ultimate Collection · 1970
Amp settings (as recorded)
The recording
The riff for 'N.I.B.' was recorded at Trident Studios during a high-pressure, short-window session for Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, produced by Rodger Bain. The recording captured a raw representation of the band's live sound, utilizing minimal multi-tracking. Tony Iommi’s signature tone relied on pushing a non-master volume Laney amplifier to its limit with a modified Rangemaster, creating a unique, aggressive, and dark sonic profile that became foundational to the heavy metal genre.
Tuning
StandardRecording Signal Chain · 4 items
1965 Gibson SG Special
Gibson
Main guitar; played through the bridge P-90 pickup.
Played upside down due to Iommi being left-handed; modified for playability.
Dallas Arbiter Rangemaster (Modified)
Dallas Arbiter
Boost
Modified for increased gain and sustain; specific modifications lost over time.
LA100 BL Supergroup
Laney
Main tube amplifier head
Plugged into the bass input; run full volume.
4x12 Cabinet
Laney
Speaker enclosure
Typically loaded with Celestion G12-25M or Goodman Audiom 61 speakers.
Tone Characteristics
ToneTwin