How to Dial In "Absence of Light" by Testament - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Absence of Light"
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 Souls of Black (1990). Souls of Black is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Testament. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Testament's other songs from Souls of Black, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Absence of Light" Tone
What guitar did Testament use on "Absence of Light"?
The guitar on "Absence of Light" (released 1990) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Absence of Light" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 5.5, 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 "Absence of Light" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Absence of Light" 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 "Absence of Light" by Testament are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.