The Number of the Beast

The recording

Dave Murray and Adrian Smith recorded the twin‑guitar parts on dual Fender Stratocasters, both set to the bridge pickup, playing in standard E‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E tuning. The guitars were routed directly into a Marshall JCM800 2203 head (no documented pedals), capturing a tight, mid‑forward crunch that defines the track’s galloping riffs. The signal was captured at Battery Studios, London, under producer Martin 'Farmer' Birch, with the amp’s mic'd cabinet feeding the mix.

Tuning Standard E A D G B E

Reported gear

Fender Stratocaster (unspecified era)

Guitar

Both guitarists used Fender Stratocasters on the track; ToneMirror lists them as American Professional IIs (a post‑1982 model), so the exact vintage is uncertain but likely a 1960s‑era Strat.

MXR Distortion+ (vintage)

Pedal

A vintage MXR Distortion+ pedal is commonly attributed to the early Iron Maiden studio tones; a Marshall forum post recreating the rig cites this pedal as part of the setup.

Marshall JCM800 2203

Amp

The guitars were fed into a Marshall JCM800 2203 head, the same amp documented by ToneMirror as being used on this song.

Alternatives

Fender Player Stratocaster

Modern equivalent · for the Fender Stratocaster (unspecified era)

$500 to $700

Marshall JCM800 2203 Reissue

Reissue · for the Marshall JCM800 2203

$1,200 to $1,800

MXR Distortion+

Modern equivalent · for the MXR Distortion+ (vintage)

$80 to $150

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Select the bridge pickup on the Strat for maximum bite.
2. 2.Use tight alternate‑picked down‑strokes for the galloping rhythm.
3. 3.Apply light palm‑muting on the low strings to tighten the rhythm.
4. 4.Let the notes ring naturally; avoid excessive compression to preserve sustain.