South of Heaven

The recording

Recorded in Los Angeles in early 1988, South of Heaven was produced by Rick Rubin and mixed by Andy Wallace. Jeff Hanneman’s rhythm parts were played on a B.C. Rich Warlock and Kerry King’s leads on a B.C. Rich King V, both routed through a Boss RGE-10 10-band graphic EQ into a 1986 Marshall JCM800 2203 head and a Marshall 1960 4×12 cabinet. The guitars were tuned down a half step to Eb Standard and the bridge humbucker pickup was selected for maximum aggression.

Tuning Eb Standard

Reported gear

B.C. Rich Warlock (Jeff Hanneman)

Guitar

Jeff Hanneman recorded the rhythm parts on a B.C. Rich Warlock, as credited on the South of Heaven album, delivering his aggressive down‑tuned riffs.

Guitar

B.C. Rich King V (Kerry King)

Guitar

Kerry King’s lead lines were played on his signature B.C. Rich King V, equipped with high‑output pickups, as documented for the South of Heaven era.

Boss RGE-10 10-Band Graphic Equalizer

EQ

Jeff Hanneman used a Boss RGE-10 10‑band graphic EQ in front of his Marshall amp on South of Heaven, shaping the mid‑range and adding a low‑end boost.

Marshall JCM800 2203 (1986)

Amp

Both guitars were driven through a 1986 Marshall JCM800 2203 head, providing the tight high‑gain distortion heard on South of Heaven.

Marshall 1960 4×12 Cabinet

Cabinet

The signal was captured from a Marshall 1960 4×12 cabinet, delivering the powerful low‑end and crisp highs that define the album’s guitar tone.

Alternatives

B.C. Rich Warlock reissue

Reissue · for the B.C. Rich Warlock (Jeff Hanneman)

$250 to 400

Marshall JCM800 2203 reissue

Reissue · for the Marshall JCM800 2203 (1986)

$1,500 to 2,400

B.C. Rich King V reissue

Reissue · for the B.C. Rich King V (Kerry King)

$350 to 500

Marshall 1960 4×12 Cabinet (used)

Still made · for the Marshall 1960 4×12 Cabinet

$1,200 to 1,800

Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer

Modern equivalent · for the Boss RGE-10 10-Band Graphic Equalizer

$70 to 100

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Pick fast alternate‑picked eighth‑note rhythms with a tight grip to maintain aggression.
2. 2.Set the pickup selector to the bridge position for maximum bite.
3. 3.Tune all strings down a half step (Eb Standard) and keep the low E string slightly tighter for a tighter chug.
4. 4.Use palm‑muted down‑strokes on the low strings and let the high strings ring open for the lead passages.