N.I.B.

The recording

'N.I.B.' was recorded at Regent Sound Studios in London on 16 October 1969 in a single 12‑hour session under producer Rodger Bain. Iommi tracked the riff and solo live, using a heavily‑picked bridge humbucker and a wah effect to shape the vocal‑like phrasing, while the raw tape capture and minimal overdubs preserved the track’s gritty, overdriven character.

Reported gear

1965 Gibson SG Standard

Guitar

Iommi recorded the main riff and solo on his 1965 Gibson SG Standard, using the bridge humbucker for the thick, mid‑range crunch that defines 'N.I.B.'.

Vox V846 Wah Pedal

Wah

A Vox V846 wah pedal was engaged for the song’s opening solo, giving the phrase its signature vocal‑like sweep.

Laney Supergroup 100W Amplifier

Amp

The SG was plugged into a Laney Supergroup 100‑watt head, which supplied the raw, overdriven tone that powers the track’s heavy sound.

Laney 4x12 Supergroup Cabinet

Cabinet

The amp’s output was routed through a Laney 4×12 Supergroup speaker cabinet, contributing the thick low‑end and aggressive mids heard on the recording.

Alternatives

Epiphone SG Standard (2023)

Modern equivalent · for the 1965 Gibson SG Standard

$350 to $450

Laney Lionheart 100W Amplifier

Modern equivalent · for the Laney Supergroup 100W Amplifier

$700 to $900

Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Pedal

Modern equivalent · for the Vox V846 Wah Pedal

$80 to $120

Laney 4×12 100W Cabinet

Modern equivalent · for the Laney 4x12 Supergroup Cabinet

$400 to $600

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge humbucker and crank the pickup selector to the bridge position.
2. 2.Engage a wah pedal and sweep it in time with the solo to recreate the vocal‑like effect.
3. 3.Use heavy gauge strings and pick the riff with a firm attack to accentuate the low‑end punch.
4. 4.Turn the amp’s gain high and keep the volume up to let the natural overdrive sing.