Riff Tone

L.O.V.E. Machine

W.A.S.P.

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarCharvel San Dimas (early 80s, likely custom, used by Chris Holmes)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, 1980s, likely with 4x12 cabinet, Celestion speakers)

PickupsSeymour Duncan Distortion humbucker (bridge position, high output passive)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1984, The Last Command album. Chris Holmes played the main riff on a Charvel San Dimas with a Seymour Duncan Distortion in the bridge, into a Marshall JCM800. No evidence of additional pedals or effects in the riff section; tone is dry, high-gain, and tight. No chorus, delay, or reverb audible in the riff. No evidence of live/touring gear being used in the studio.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive bridge pickup attackscooped but present midshigh-gain British crunchdry, in-your-face soundpunchy low endclear note separationminimal ambienceclassic 80s LA metal rhythmhigh-output humbucker clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires solid palm muting, tight timing, and aggressive picking, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed, making it intermediate.

Sources

Chris Holmes WASP tone | Guitar Forum - The Gear Page Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes recalls what happened when Blackie Lawless threw raw meat into the back of his amp | Guitar World Machine Head Amp Settings and Tone Tips - Guitar Chalk

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