How to Dial In "Thor (The Powerhead)" by Manowar - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Thor (The Powerhead)"
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 Sign of the Hammer (1984). Sign of the Hammer is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band Manowar, released in October 1984 by 10/Virgin Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the nearest rig we use for Manowar's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Thor (The Powerhead)" Tone
What guitar did Manowar use on "Thor (The Powerhead)"?
The guitar on "Thor (The Powerhead)" (released 1984) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Thor (The Powerhead)" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. 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 "Thor (The Powerhead)" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Thor (The Powerhead)" 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 "Thor (The Powerhead)" by Manowar are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.