Rhiannon Hendricks
Black Veil Brides, known for their distinctive blend of heavy metal and glam rock, rely on a combination of powerful amplifiers to achieve their signature sound. The band’s guitarists, Jinxx and Jake Pitts, are often seen using high-gain amplifiers that deliver the aggressive tones essential to their music. Jinxx has been known to favor Mesa/Boogie amplifiers, particularly the Dual Rectifier series, which provides the raw, crunchy distortion needed for their riffs and solos. Jake Pitts, on the other hand, has been associated with EVH 5150 III amplifiers, designed by Eddie Van Halen, which offer tight, articulate tones that cut through the mix. Together, these amps, paired with their custom guitars and effects pedals, help Black Veil Brides create the dynamic and intense soundscapes that define their live performances and studio recordings.
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What You'll Learn
- Guitar Amps: Black Veil Brides use Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and EVH 5150 amps
- Bass Amps: Ampeg SVT and Orange amps power their bass tones
- Live Setup: Tour rigs include custom amp heads and cabinets for consistency
- Studio Gear: Varied amps like Fender and Vox for recording versatility
- Signature Sounds: High-gain, distorted tones achieved through specific amp settings and pedals
Guitar Amps: Black Veil Brides use Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and EVH 5150 amps
Black Veil Brides, known for their heavy riffs and melodic solos, rely on a trio of iconic guitar amps to shape their signature sound: Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and EVH 5150. Each amp brings distinct tonal qualities to the table, allowing the band to achieve a versatile range of sounds that complement their diverse songwriting. For guitarists looking to emulate Black Veil Brides’ tone, understanding the characteristics of these amps is crucial.
Marshall Amps: The Classic Rock Foundation
Marshall amplifiers are synonymous with rock and metal, and Black Veil Brides leverage their raw, aggressive power. The band often uses Marshall JCM800 and JCM900 models, which deliver a tight low end and a midrange bite that cuts through dense mixes. These amps excel in high-gain settings, making them ideal for rhythm guitar parts that require clarity and sustain. To achieve a similar tone, pair a Marshall amp with a high-output humbucker-equipped guitar and experiment with the gain and presence controls to balance crunch and definition.
Mesa Boogie: The Modern Metal Edge
Mesa Boogie amps, particularly the Dual Rectifier series, add a modern edge to Black Veil Brides’ sound. Known for their tight, focused distortion and articulate note definition, Mesa Boogie amps are perfect for intricate lead work and chugging rhythms. The band’s guitarists often use the Dual Rectifier’s "Raw" channel for a more organic, tube-driven sound, while the "Vintage" channel provides a smoother, more compressed tone. For guitarists seeking this sound, focus on EQ settings that emphasize the mids and highs to maintain clarity in heavy mixes.
EVH 5150: The Van Halen Legacy
The EVH 5150, designed in collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, brings a unique flavor to Black Veil Brides’ tonal palette. This amp is celebrated for its searing high-gain tones and exceptional headroom, making it a go-to for both rhythm and lead work. The 5150’s bright, cutting character complements the band’s melodic solos, ensuring they stand out in the mix. To replicate this tone, use a guitar with single-coil pickups for added brightness and dial in a high-gain setting with a touch of reverb for depth.
Practical Tips for Achieving the Black Veil Brides Tone
To replicate Black Veil Brides’ amp setup, start by selecting the right amp for the part you’re playing. Use Marshall for raw, classic rock rhythms, Mesa Boogie for tight modern metal tones, and EVH 5150 for cutting leads. Experiment with cabinet choices—4x12 cabinets with Celestion V30 speakers are a popular option for all three amps. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of pedalboard setup; a boost pedal can tighten up high-gain tones, while a noise gate ensures clarity in heavy passages.
Takeaway: Versatility is Key
Black Veil Brides’ use of Marshall, Mesa Boogie, and EVH 5150 amps highlights the importance of tonal versatility in modern rock and metal. By understanding the strengths of each amp and how to dial in their signature sounds, guitarists can craft a tone that’s both powerful and dynamic, just like the band’s music. Whether you’re playing rhythm or lead, these amps offer the tools to elevate your sound to the next level.
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Bass Amps: Ampeg SVT and Orange amps power their bass tones
Black Veil Brides' bass tones are a cornerstone of their signature sound, and the amps behind those tones are just as crucial as the riffs themselves. For bassist Ashley Purdy, the choice of amplification is no accident—it’s a deliberate pairing of power, clarity, and character. Enter the Ampeg SVT and Orange amps, two iconic brands that deliver the punch and depth required for Black Veil Brides’ hard-hitting, melodic bass lines.
The Ampeg SVT is a legend in the bass world, known for its raw, tube-driven power and ability to handle aggressive playing styles. With its 300-watt output and classic all-tube design, the SVT provides the backbone for Purdy’s low-end frequencies, ensuring they cut through the band’s dense mix without sacrificing warmth. Its growling midrange and tight bass response make it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings, where consistency and reliability are non-negotiable. For bassists looking to replicate this tone, pairing an SVT with a 4x10 or 8x10 cabinet maximizes its full-bodied sound, though smaller setups can still capture its essence with careful EQ adjustments.
In contrast, Orange amps bring a different flavor to the table, blending British-style grit with modern versatility. Orange’s Class A/B solid-state or hybrid designs offer a slightly brighter, more articulate tone compared to the SVT’s vintage warmth. This makes them a go-to choice for bassists seeking clarity in complex arrangements, such as Black Veil Brides’ layered compositions. The Orange AD200B MKIII, for instance, delivers 200 watts of power and pairs seamlessly with their OBC series cabinets, providing a tight, focused sound that complements Purdy’s playing style. For those experimenting with Orange amps, dialing in the gain and low-end controls is key to balancing aggression with definition.
Choosing between an Ampeg SVT and an Orange amp ultimately comes down to the desired tonal character. The SVT’s tube-driven roar is perfect for bassists aiming to dominate the frequency spectrum with a vintage, rock-inspired tone. Orange amps, on the other hand, cater to those who prioritize clarity and articulation without sacrificing power. For Black Veil Brides, the combination of these two brands allows for a dynamic range of sounds, from thunderous breakdowns to melodic, fingerstyle passages.
Practical tip: When emulating Black Veil Brides’ bass tones, start by matching the amp’s power rating to your playing environment. For smaller venues or home practice, consider scaled-down versions like the Ampeg SVT-VR or Orange’s Terror Bass series. Always pair your amp with a cabinet that complements its frequency response—a 4x10 for tighter lows or an 8x10 for maximum volume and depth. Finally, experiment with compression and overdrive pedals to add texture, but remember that the amp’s natural tone should remain the star of the show.
In the end, the Ampeg SVT and Orange amps are more than just tools—they’re the engines driving Black Veil Brides’ bass tones. By understanding their unique strengths and how they align with the band’s style, bassists can craft a sound that’s both powerful and distinctive, ensuring their low end leaves a lasting impression.
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Live Setup: Tour rigs include custom amp heads and cabinets for consistency
Black Veil Brides' live performances are renowned for their consistency and power, a feat largely achieved through their meticulously designed tour rigs. At the heart of these setups are custom amp heads and cabinets, tailored to deliver the band’s signature sound night after night. These aren’t off-the-shelf units; they’re engineered to withstand the rigors of touring while maintaining tonal integrity across diverse venues. For instance, guitarist Jinxx has been known to use custom-built Marshall heads paired with Celestion-loaded cabinets, ensuring his riffs cut through the mix without sacrificing warmth. This level of customization isn’t just about prestige—it’s a practical solution to the unpredictability of live sound.
When designing a tour rig, the first step is identifying the tonal needs of each musician. For Black Veil Brides, this involves balancing Andy Biersack’s dynamic vocals with the dual-guitar assault of Jinxx and Jake Pitts. Custom amp heads allow for precise control over gain, EQ, and output power, ensuring each instrument sits perfectly in the mix. Cabinets, often built with lightweight yet durable materials like Baltic birch, are tuned to specific frequencies to enhance clarity and projection. For example, a 4x12 cabinet with vintage 30 speakers might be chosen for its tight low end and crisp highs, ideal for heavy rhythms and soaring leads.
One critical aspect of these custom rigs is their ability to perform consistently under varying conditions. Touring musicians face challenges like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and power supply inconsistencies, all of which can affect amp performance. Custom heads often include temperature-compensated components and robust power transformers to mitigate these issues. Additionally, cabinets are frequently braced internally to prevent unwanted resonance, ensuring the sound remains tight and focused even in large arenas. This attention to detail is why Black Veil Brides’ live sound remains so reliable, regardless of the venue.
For bands considering a similar approach, investing in custom gear requires careful planning. Start by consulting with amp builders who specialize in touring rigs, providing them with detailed specs about your desired tone and performance environment. Be prepared for a higher upfront cost, but view it as a long-term investment in your sound. Regular maintenance is also key—inspect cables, tubes, and speakers before each show to avoid mid-performance failures. While custom rigs demand more effort, the payoff in consistency and reliability is unparalleled, as Black Veil Brides’ flawless live performances consistently demonstrate.
Finally, the takeaway here is clear: custom amp heads and cabinets aren’t just a luxury—they’re a strategic choice for bands committed to delivering a consistent live experience. Black Veil Brides’ approach underscores the importance of tailoring gear to meet specific artistic and logistical needs. Whether you’re a local act or a touring band, understanding the role of custom rigs can elevate your live sound from good to unforgettable. It’s not just about the gear; it’s about the precision and reliability it brings to your performance.
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Studio Gear: Varied amps like Fender and Vox for recording versatility
Black Veil Brides, known for their dynamic and layered sound, rely heavily on a diverse range of amplifiers to achieve their signature tone in the studio. Among the arsenal of gear, Fender and Vox amps stand out as staples for their versatility and ability to adapt to various musical contexts. These brands offer a spectrum of tones—from the crisp, clean sounds of a Fender Twin Reverb to the gritty, British-style distortion of a Vox AC30—allowing the band to craft textures that complement their melodic yet aggressive style. This strategic use of multiple amps ensures that each track has a distinct sonic identity while maintaining cohesion within the album.
In the studio, the choice of amplifier isn’t just about volume or distortion; it’s about matching the amp’s character to the emotional intent of the song. For instance, a Fender Bassman might be used for its tight low end and smooth midrange on rhythm tracks, while a Vox AC30 could add a shimmering, chime-like quality to lead lines. This approach requires careful mic placement and signal chaining, often involving multiple microphones to capture the amp’s full frequency range. Engineers working with Black Veil Brides likely experiment with blending these tones, layering them to create a rich, three-dimensional sound that fills the mix without overwhelming it.
One practical tip for achieving similar versatility in your own recordings is to invest in a few key amps that cover a broad tonal palette. Start with a Fender-style amp for clean and slightly overdriven tones, and pair it with a Vox-style amp for higher-gain, British-flavored sounds. If budget or space is a concern, consider amp simulators or modeling amps that accurately replicate these classic tones. However, nothing beats the organic response and feel of a real tube amp, so prioritize authenticity when possible. Experiment with blending these amps in post-production to achieve a balanced, professional sound.
A cautionary note: while variety is essential, overloading a mix with too many amp tones can lead to muddiness or lack of focus. Black Veil Brides’ success lies in their disciplined use of amps, ensuring each one serves a specific purpose within the arrangement. For example, using a high-gain amp for the chorus but switching to a cleaner tone for verses can create dynamic contrast without clutter. Always A/B test different amp combinations to ensure they enhance the song rather than distract from it.
In conclusion, the studio gear choices of Black Veil Brides highlight the importance of versatility in amplifier selection. By leveraging the unique characteristics of brands like Fender and Vox, the band achieves a diverse yet cohesive sound that elevates their music. Whether you’re a producer, engineer, or guitarist, adopting this approach can add depth and dimension to your recordings. Remember, the goal isn’t to use every amp at your disposal but to choose the right one for the moment, crafting a sonic landscape that resonates with listeners.
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Signature Sounds: High-gain, distorted tones achieved through specific amp settings and pedals
Black Veil Brides’ signature sound hinges on high-gain, distorted tones that cut through the mix while retaining clarity and aggression. Achieving this requires a careful balance of amplifier settings and pedal choices, tailored to both the band’s genre and their live performance demands. For instance, guitarist Jinxx and Jake Pitts often rely on amps like the Peavey 6505 or Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, known for their raw power and tight low end. These amps are pushed into high-gain territory by cranking the preamp gain to 7–9, while the bass and mids are dialed back slightly to avoid muddiness. Treble is set around 5–6 to maintain bite without harshness.
Pedals play a critical role in sculpting their tone further. A Tube Screamer set to low gain (drive at 1–2) acts as a boost, tightening the amp’s distortion and adding sustain without overwhelming the signal. For added texture, a noise gate pedal is essential to tame the high-gain hiss, with threshold set just above the noise floor and release time adjusted for natural decay. Occasionally, a metal-specific pedal like the Boss Metal Zone is used for rhythm parts, its mid-focused EQ helping riffs stand out in dense mixes.
A key takeaway is the interplay between amp settings and pedals. Overdriving an already high-gain amp can result in a bloated, undefined tone, so less is often more. Experiment with pedal placement—placing the Tube Screamer before the amp’s input emphasizes grit, while placing it in the effects loop adds volume without altering the core tone. For live consistency, consider using a power attenuator to reduce stage volume while maintaining the amp’s cranked character.
Comparatively, while other bands might rely on all-pedal setups or digital modeling, Black Veil Brides’ approach prioritizes the organic feel of tube amps pushed to their limits. This method demands more finesse but rewards with a dynamic, responsive tone that digital alternatives struggle to replicate. For home practice, a smaller high-gain amp like the Peavey Vypyr or Orange Micro Dark paired with the same pedal chain can approximate their sound at lower volumes.
In conclusion, replicating Black Veil Brides’ high-gain tones requires a blend of specific amp settings, strategic pedal use, and an understanding of how these elements interact. Start with a high-gain amp, fine-tune the EQ for clarity, and use pedals to enhance rather than overpower. Whether for recording or live performance, this approach ensures a signature sound that’s both brutal and defined.
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Frequently asked questions
Black Veil Brides primarily use Marshall and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers for their guitar tones. Jake Pitts and Jinxx have been known to favor Marshall JCM800 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier heads.
While specific settings vary, Black Veil Brides often use high gain settings with boosted mids and tight bass to achieve their signature heavy and cutting guitar tones.
While they primarily stick to tube amps for their main sound, Black Veil Brides have occasionally used modeling amps or digital setups for versatility in the studio or for specific effects.
Black Veil Brides typically pair their amps with Marshall or Mesa/Boogie cabinets, often using 4x12 configurations loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers for a classic rock and metal tone.
