How to Dial In "Killing Machine" by Judas Priest - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Killing Machine"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Killing Machine (1978). Killing Machine (alternatively titled Hell Bent for Leather) is the fifth studio album by English heavy metal band Judas Priest, released in November 1978, by CBS Records internationally, and received a United States release on 28 February 1979, by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson SG Standard through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the rig we use for Judas Priest's other songs from Killing Machine, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop D.
Common Questions About the "Killing Machine" Tone
What guitar did Judas Priest use on "Killing Machine"?
The guitar on "Killing Machine" (released 1978) isn't documented; the Gibson SG Standard above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop D (D A D G B E), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Killing Machine" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Killing Machine" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Killing Machine" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Killing Machine" by Judas Priest are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.