Kim Thayil Amp Settings
EQ dial positions, gain structure, and how to replicate the sound on any amp
Marshall JCM800 / Hiwatt Custom 100 — Dial Settings
SourcedAll values on a 0–10 scale. Adjust by ear — room acoustics and specific amp variants affect the exact position.
Choosing the Right Amp
Amp at Every Budget
Getting the Most From Your Amp
- Use the amp's own drive channel rather than stacking too many pedals —Kim Thayil's tone benefits from amp-driven saturation.
- Master volume matters — many classic tones only work at significant volume when tubes are working hard.
Related Gear
Similar Guitarists
FAQ
Kim Thayil Amp Settings — Common Questions
Kim Thayil uses the Marshall JCM800 / Hiwatt Custom 100 with Gain at 9, Bass at 7, Mid at 5, Treble at 6, and Presence at 7. Soundgarden's guitar tone is built on Marshall JCM800 or Hiwatt Custom 100 in down-tuned configurations — A# standard (Bb) or B standard. Kim Thayil uses ESP and Fernandes guitars with reverse headstocks, which affects string tension and tone at down-tuned pitches. The EQ is moderately scooped but not as extreme as thrash — enough mid presence to maintain the psychedelic, slightly woozy character. Whammy bar techniques (dramatic dips, not subtle vibrato) define Black Hole Sun and other signature tracks.
Kim Thayil's primary amp is the Marshall JCM800 / Hiwatt Custom 100. At different budgets, similar tones can be achieved with: Boss Katana 50 MkII (£200 · Beginner), Boss Katana 50 MkII (£500 · Sweet Spot), Marshall DSL20CR (£1,000 · Pro-Level), Marshall DSL100H (£2,500 · Premium).
Kim Thayil sets Gain to 9 on the Marshall JCM800 / Hiwatt Custom 100. Soundgarden's guitar tone is built on Marshall JCM800 or Hiwatt Custom 100 in down-tuned configurations — A# standard (Bb) or B standard.
You can get close to Kim Thayil's tone on any amp by focusing on the EQ character rather than specific gain levels. Key: use balanced mids (5–6) as a starting point. Use the amp's drive channel rather than external pedals for the primary distortion. A Boss Katana or Blackstar HT series can approximate the tone at low cost.
For Kim Thayil's EQ signature: Bass 8/10, Mid 6/10, Treble 5/10, Presence 4/10. The tone is characterised as: dark, oppressive, droning. These are starting points — fine-tune by ear to your specific amp and room.