Get this tone on your rig
Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
Recorded at Startling Studios (Tittenhurst Park) in early 1980 with producer Tom Allom, the twin‑guitar parts were captured live with minimal processing. Tipton's Strat was set to bridge pickup, while Downing's Flying V used the bridge humbuckers. Both guitars fed directly into cranked Marshall Super Lead heads, with the signal sent straight to the mixing console, resulting in a dry, punchy tone that sits prominently in the mix.
Tuning Standard E A D G B E·Strings Ernie Ball .010‑.046 set
Signal chain
Reported gear
Fender Stratocaster (modified) – DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers
Guitar
Tipton used a Fender Stratocaster fitted with DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers in the bridge position, giving the lead lines a thick, high‑output tone.
Gibson Flying V – stock humbuckers
Guitar
Downing played a Gibson Flying V with its stock humbucking pickups, delivering the aggressive, chunky rhythm tone that drives the main riff.
Marshall Super Lead (1959) 100W Head
Amp
The guitar tracks were routed into a cranked Marshall Super Lead 1959 head, providing natural tube overdrive and a tight, mid‑focused sound.
Marshall 412 Cabinet (4×12)
Cabinet
The amps were paired with a Marshall 4×12 cabinet, delivering a full, aggressive low‑end that sits tight in the mix.
Alternatives
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster with DiMarzio Super Distortion set
Modern equivalent · for the Fender Stratocaster (modified) – DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers
Marshall DSL40C
Modern equivalent · for the Marshall Super Lead (1959) 100W Head
Epiphone Flying V
Modern equivalent · for the Gibson Flying V – stock humbuckers
Marshall MG30FX 4×12 Cabinet
Modern equivalent · for the Marshall 412 Cabinet (4×12)
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Select the bridge pickup on both guitars for maximum output.
- 2.Use tight alternate picking and palm‑muted chugs for the main riff.
- 3.Set the guitar tone knob to full for brightness, but roll it back slightly for a smoother mid‑range.
- 4.Play with standard tuning and .010‑.046 strings to match the original tension.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Breaking the Law guitar tone?
The available research points to Fender Stratocaster (modified) – DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers into Marshall Super Lead (1959) 100W Head. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Breaking the Law amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Breaking the Law in?
The current research record lists Standard E A D G B E. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Breaking the Law tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
