Lemmy Amp Settings: Getting the Motorhead Sound

​Achieving the iconic bass tone of Lemmy Kilmister, the legendary frontman of Motörhead, requires a combination of specific equipment, amp settings, and playing techniques. Here’s a guide to help you capture that distinctive sound.​

Lemmy’s Signature Bass Guitar

Lemmy’s primary instrument throughout his career was the Rickenbacker bass guitar. He was particularly fond of the Rickenbacker 4001 model, which contributed significantly to his unique tone. Lemmy appreciated the aesthetic of Rickenbackers and believed that if an instrument looked good, any tonal deficiencies could be adjusted with the right pickups. ​

Amplification: Marshall Amps

Much like his loyalty to Rickenbacker basses, Lemmy’s amplifier preferences remained remarkably consistent throughout his career with Motorhead. After experimenting with various amps during his Hawkwind years, Lemmy settled on Marshall amplifiers for Motorhead, establishing a partnership that would last for decades. Specifically, Lemmy favored Marshall Super Bass amps, which eventually led to Marshall issuing him a signature model during his lifetime. This commitment to Marshall amplification became an essential component of his sound, providing the powerful, overdriven character that defined Motorhead’s sonic assault. The British tube amp character of the Marshall Super Bass contributed significantly to Lemmy’s aggressive tone, offering the perfect platform for his distinctive playing approach1.

Critical Amp Settings for the Lemmy Sound

Lemmy’s approach to setting his amplifier was remarkably straightforward yet completely unconventional, embodying Motorhead’s credo of “everything louder than everyone else.” Rather than meticulously adjusting multiple parameters to sculpt his tone, Lemmy employed a dramatically simple EQ strategy that became famous among bassists: he turned his bass and treble controls all the way down to zero while maxing out his midrange control to ten.

This radical approach to equalization gave his tone tremendous definition and clarity, allowing him to cut through the mix with authority. By emphasizing the midrange frequencies and removing the extremes, Lemmy created a focused sound that occupied its own space in the frequency spectrum, neither competing with the kick drum’s low end nor the guitar’s treble1.

Beyond his unusual EQ settings, Lemmy’s approach to other amp controls was equally defining. He ran his volume at maximum (10), embracing the natural tube saturation that occurred when pushing his Marshall amplifiers to their limits. This practice contributed significantly to the overdriven character of his sound, creating natural compression and harmonic richness without the need for effects pedals. Similarly, Lemmy set his presence control to maximum (10), adding clarity and attack to his notes even at extreme volumes.

These settings worked synergistically to create a tone that wasn’t traditionally “bass-like.” Lemmy himself often described his role as that of a “low guitarist” rather than a conventional bassist. The result was a distinctive sound that provided both rhythmic foundation and harmonic interest to Motorhead’s music.

Dialing in the Amp Settings

Lemmy’s approach to amp settings was unconventional and contributed heavily to his distinctive tone. Here’s how you can set up your amp to emulate his sound:

• Volume: Maximize the volume to drive the tubes hard, achieving natural overdrive. (via bestbassgear.com)
• Bass: Set the bass control to 0. This counterintuitive approach helped Lemmy achieve a mid-focused tone without the muddiness that excessive bass can introduce.
• Mids: Turn the mids up to 10. This emphasis on mid frequencies is crucial for cutting through the mix and achieving that aggressive growl characteristic of Lemmy’s tone.
• Treble: Set the treble to 0. By minimizing the treble, Lemmy avoided harshness in his tone, maintaining clarity without excessive brightness.

These settings may seem extreme, but they were integral to Lemmy’s sound. It’s important to note that Lemmy did not use effects pedals; his tone was purely a result of his bass, amplifier, and playing style.

By combining the right equipment, amp settings, and playing techniques, you can come close to replicating Lemmy’s legendary bass tone. Remember, his sound was not just about the gear but also about his relentless energy and attitude on stage.​