Iron Man

Reported gear

1970 Gibson SG Special

Guitar

Iommi used a slightly detuned Gibson SG Special equipped with P‑90‑style bridge pickups for the Iron Man riff, playing with his prosthetic fingertips.

Rangemaster Treble Booster

Treble Booster

A Rangemaster treble booster was placed in front of the amp to push the Laney into heavy saturation while preserving note definition.

Amp

Laney Supergroup LA100BL

Amp

The riff was recorded through a Laney Supergroup 100‑watt amp, whose dark, thick British voicing gave the signature heavy tone.

Laney 4×12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The amp was paired with a Laney 4‑by‑12 speaker cabinet, miked close for a tight low end and with an ambient mic for room ambience.

Alternatives

Epiphone SG Standard

Budget alternative · for the 1970 Gibson SG Special

$350 to 500

Laney Supergroup Reissue 100

Reissue · for the Laney Supergroup LA100BL

$700 to 900

Analog Man King of Tone

Modern equivalent · for the Rangemaster Treble Booster

$200 to 250

Marshall 4×12 Cabinet (1960)

Modern equivalent · for the Laney 4×12 Cabinet

$400 to 600

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Use a Gibson SG‑style guitar with P‑90 or early humbucker pickups, tuned down a half‑step or lower.
2. 2.Insert a Rangemaster treble booster before the amp and set it to full boost.
3. 3.Crank the Laney Supergroup amp to high gain, keep the volume moderate to preserve low‑end heft.
4. 4.Play with strong attack using prosthetic fingertips or a light pick, and position the bridge pickup near the bridge.
5. 5.Double‑track the riff and blend a close‑miked 4×12 cabinet with a distant room mic for added depth.