AC/DC primarily used Marshall Plexi amps to define their signature rock sound.
The Iconic Marshall Plexi
The distinctive, raw, and powerful guitar sound that AC/DC is famous for largely stemmed from their reliance on Marshall Plexi amplifiers. These amps, while iconic, are surprisingly not what are typically considered "high gain" amps in the modern sense. Instead, their magic lies in how they are pushed to their limits.
Achieving the AC/DC Sound
The band's technique for achieving their classic tone involved a straightforward yet powerful method:
- Cranking the Volume: AC/DC would turn their Marshall Plexi amps up to extremely high volumes. This wasn't just about loudness; it was integral to the sound itself.
- Speaker Breakup: When these amps are driven at such high volumes, they push the speakers to their breaking point. This "speaker breakup" creates a natural, gritty overdrive and distortion that became a hallmark of the AC/DC sound, rather than relying on external pedals or inherently high-gain amp circuits. This approach results in that classic, unadulterated rock 'n' roll crunch.
The simplicity of this setup—a guitar plugged into a cranked Marshall Plexi—was a fundamental component of their sound, contributing significantly to their legendary status in rock history.
| Key Amp Model | Primary Characteristic | Contribution to AC/DC's Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall Plexi | Not inherently high-gain | Cranked to high volumes to achieve natural speaker breakup and rich overdrive. |
