Behind the tone: recreating Slash’s legendary tones

The Evolution of Slash’s Tone

When it comes to legendary rock tones, few are as iconic and instantly recognizable as Slash’s. From the groundbreaking Use Your Illusion albums to the powerful World on Fire, his signature sound has influenced generations of guitarists and fans worldwide. With Iconic Tones™: Marsh Snake, we’ve created profiles, presets, and impulse responses that authentically capture the essence of Slash’s tone throughout the different phases of his career. But how do you recreate such a distinctive and complex sound? Today, we’ll take you through the meticulous process behind our latest work, which brings Slash’s iconic tones to life.

It’s well-known that “Slash” signifies two things: Gibson Les Paul and Marshall amplifiers. These two milestones served as our starting point. We have found a 1987 Gibson Les Paul Standard, which is just ten serial numbers away from Slash’s original Jessica model. Next, we looked into the amplifier side. Throughout his career, Slash has utilized three key amplifiers: a modified Marshall 1959T Super Lead, known as “stock #39,” which he used to record Appetite for Destruction; a modified Marshall JCM 800 model 2003, renamed “stock #34” by Frank Levi; and, of course, the iconic Marshall JCM 2555 Jubilee that defined his sound during the Appetite For Destruction live tour and the iconic live performance in Tokyo in ’92 during the Illusion Tour. In 1996 Marshall released a reissue of this iconic head, the Marshall JCM 2555SL, with only 3,000 units produced between 1996 and 1997.

Finding the perfect gear

So, we decided to embark on one of the most challenging parts of this project: acquiring a Marshall JCM SL2555 Slash Signature and his signature Marshall 1960 ASL matched cabinet. It was not easy, considering the rarity of this legendary amplifier. Every guitarist knows that owning one of these heads is a dream, but finding the right unit, in perfect condition is more difficult than it seems.

After countless hours scrolling through various sites, meticulously analyzing each listing and comparing prices and conditions, we faced the frustration of missed opportunities and items that were already sold. However, our determination never wavered. We were committed to capturing the essence of Slash’s sound, and we knew that this amplifier would be essential to our profiling process.

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived: we found the holy grail. The thrill of discovering the Marshall JCM SL2555 Slash Signature we had been searching for was indescribable, and we knew we had taken a significant step toward achieving our goal. 

Another crucial component in achieving those aggressive yet creamy lead tones is the BOSS GE-7 equalizer. When set to the famous “crown mode,” which boosts the mid-high frequencies, it delivers the sound that has captivated generations. We decided to acquire a BOSS GE-7 directly from 1992 to stay as true as possible to the original rig.

Once it arrived at our studio, we powered up the amplifier, let the tubes warm up, connected the pedal, and plugged in the jack cable to the guitar.

The result? Simply… SLASH.

The sound and sensation of “amp in the room” were indescribable, but one question immediately raised: how could we replicate the same feeling, emotion, and authenticity for our users that we experienced ourselves?

From the analog gear to his digital recreation:

Simone, our Product Manager, immediately got to work developing tests that included various microphone combinations, recreating the setup used by Slash for both studio recordings and live performances. After countless profiling sessions and months of relentless effort, we achieved a result that not only mirrored Slash’s sound but also responded like his rig. Every pick stroke and dynamic change was meticulously calibrated to reflect the unique interaction between the amplifier and his Les Paul guitar.

The outcome was a collection of over 30 profiles that capture Slash’s sound from his most legendary years with Guns N’ Roses all the way to the more recent days.

Once the testing and profiling sessions were complete, we quickly transitioned to capturing our custom impulse responses. This phase was crucial as we aimed to meticulously recreate the microphone setups that Slash has used in both his studio recordings and live performances.

We had already created profiles incorporating all the different mic placements, types, and combinations that contribute to his iconic sound. With this foundation, we aimed to provide users with the essence of the microphone setups used by Slash. By simulating these placements in our studio, we looked to capture the authenticity and richness that Slash’s tone is renowned for. Every detail was carefully considered, from the choice of microphones to the precise angles and distances from the speaker cabinet, ensuring that we honored his techniques and delivered an experience that closely resembles his signature sound.

These profiles are more than just a replica; they are our tribute to one of the most iconic sounds in rock history. Behind each setting lies dedication, extensive research, and the desire to give everyone the chance to experience the tone of a legend. We know that Slash’s sound goes beyond a mere collection of parameters—it’s a full experience. This is exactly what Iconic Tones aims to bring to every guitarist. The result of our work, Iconic Tones™: Marsh Snake, captures every detail of Slash’s tone, reviving his legendary sound with the same passion and precision that define his music.

Keep Rocking,

The Iconic Tones Team