Blind

The recording

Recorded in 1994 for their self‑titled debut, the guitar tracks on 'Blind' were captured with Ibanez Universe 7‑string guitars using the bridge pickup, delivering a tight, percussive attack. The intro’s wobble comes from a Bi‑Mode Chorus pedal before a Tube Screamer and a Big Muff shape the tone, which is then driven through a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier set for a scooped‑mid, chunky low‑end sound. The combination of down‑tuned 7‑strings, heavy palm‑muting and the high‑gain chain gives the riff its aggressive, articulate character.

Reported gear

1990 Ibanez Universe UV7

Guitar

Munky and Head recorded the rhythm and lead parts on 'Blind' using Ibanez Universe UV7 7‑string guitars, co‑designed with Steve Vai and fitted with DiMarzio Blaze humbucking pickups.

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Overdrive

A Tube Screamer sits directly after the guitar, tightening the high‑gain tone and adding a mid‑boost before the signal reaches the amp.

Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Fuzz

The Big Muff adds a saturated, fuzzy edge that thickens the already aggressive distortion on the verses and choruses.

Ibanez BC‑9 Bi‑Mode Chorus

Chorus

During the intro a Bi‑Mode Chorus creates the wobbling modulation before the distortion kicks in, giving the opening a distinctive texture.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Amp

The combined signal runs into a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier set for a scooped‑mid, tight low‑end tone that defines the crushing modern‑metal sound on 'Blind'.

Alternatives

Ibanez RG7 7‑string

Budget alternative · for the 1990 Ibanez Universe UV7

$600 to $800

Boss CE‑2W Chorus

Modern equivalent · for the Ibanez BC‑9 Bi‑Mode Chorus

$110 to $130

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Still made · for the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

$120 to $150

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Still made · for the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

$2,200 to $2,800

Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi

Still made · for the Electro‑Harmonix Big Muff Pi

$120 to $150

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Set the guitar to bridge pickup and attack the strings with tight, aggressive palm‑muting.
2. 2.Add a chorus effect for the intro to achieve the wobble texture.
3. 3.Insert a Tube Screamer before the amp to tighten the high‑gain tone.
4. 4.Drive the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier into high gain with scooped mids for a chunky low end.
5. 5.Pick with a hard attack to keep the riff articulate through heavy distortion.