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Thank you to everyone who responded to our 'Ask Slash' blog and sent questions in. As promised, we forwarded them onto Slash who then picked out a handful to answer. Unfortunately it would have been impossible for him to answer every single question, but we hope you enjoy some of the answers below:
colgo: Slash - which song on Appetite showcases the sound of the rig you were using best? My pick would be Nightrain or My Michelle but would like to hear yours.
Slash: "Nightrain" is perfect but "Out Ta Get Me" is a good one too.
RicMoura: Did you, Slash, notice any difference between the #39 and the #36? What do you think about the Appetite tone relating to the tone you had in other records? Which do you prefer? What do you change from the studio to live?
Slash: The #39 amp had a certain tight distortion & a midrange sustain that was unique. I like the tone I've gotten on other records too, but the "Appetite" sound is very iconic at this point.
chudy-stuey: Hey Slash, will the new AFD100 replace your previous Slash Signature amps you use when you're on the road? Also how many amps do you physically own right now?
Slash: I plan on supplementing my rig with new AFD amps when they come out. I don't have a lot of amps, maybe 12 heads.
JvLoud: Hi Slash, maybe it is a nice idea to include an overview with the settings (low, middle, high, gain, etc.) for every appetite song in the amps user manual. What do you think?
Slash: I never changed the settings except turned the gain up when I recorded the solos.
Legion: I've read in a few places about how particular you are about choosing your amps, even trying multiple amps of the same model to find the right one. Can you describe what qualities you're listening for when looking for a new amp?
Slash: haha! Something that sounds good!
Legion: Over the years you've used various Marshall amps including the JCM 800, Silver Jubilee, Slash Signature and the Vintage Modern. Is there a common quality to the sound of these amps that caused you to choose them, or would you say that you were looking for a different sound in each case?
Slash: I am looking for certain similar characteristics but maybe one head does it better than another. All heads are a little different, you have to try out different ones to hear what's what.
DavidVee: My question for Slash is - what specific features/sounds would the AFD100 take (or leave) from the other amazing Marshall amps (Vintage Modern, Slash Signature, Silver Jubilee, et al) that would make the AFD100 the only amp you'd want if stranded on that proverbial desert island?
Slash: I haven't heard the finished AFD amp yet but it will have that distintive "Appetite" sound, that's the whole reason for making it. I do however like all the different models I'm known for using so my choice on a desert island could differ from day to day.
turntable: My question for Slash!
We know the cabinet have an importance in the sound (the same amp can sound different with two differents cabinets, so for the research and development of the amp what cabinet do you choice? Cabinet with V30 or Greenback?
Slash: V30
Urayo: Slash, what settings do you have in your amps to play live, are the same you use in the studio?
Slash: I usually set them the same live or in the studio but I might make little adjustments if the room/venue calls for it.
rocker77: Slash I have been a big follower since the very beggining I cut my teeth on Appetite For Destruction. I was eleven and that album made me start playing guitar. I played till my fingers bled and never gave up, I learned to play by ear. How do you get noticed with so many players out there.
Slash: Good question, I don't really know. I think one of the most important qualities you can have as a player is an identifiable sound.
Shawnee: How did the "original AFD amp" feel like that time when you recorded AFD and what was it like? How did you know that this is the amp that you will use on the tracks when you were searching for amps?
Slash: Nothing complicated really, it was the best sounding amp in the room. We had four altogether & #39 just sounded better than the other three.
StanMoon: Slash, what method do you prefer to boost volume/gain for soloing in live situation? Boost pedal, Volume pedal, EQ, Compressor, etc?
Slash: Volume and gain = boost, and that's what I'm looking for. All I want is for the solo to stick out more than my ryhthm sound. I don't like boost pedals all the time because I want to hear the sound of the amp. But when I need to make an impression over the rest of the band I use a boost pedal. Never EQ or compression.
The-A-Man-T: Hey Slash, was wondering if the AFD100 is something that you plan to actively use in the studio or your live rig? Or has it mainly been created with the fans in mind?
Slash: Both. The nucleus of the idea was to make something that the fans would be into. But I'm a fan too so...........
