Mick Thomson, known for his towering presence, has thrilled us in Slipknot. His performances, lasting nearly two hours, captivated fans with an incredible energy1. The Mick Thomson guitar lets you dive into this amazing performance vibe. It brings to life the unique heavy metal tones that the Slipknot legend is known for.
If you dream of taking your playing higher and feeling the intense world of heavy metal, you need the Mick Thomson signature guitar. Being part of Slipknot, Mick changed the metal scene with hits like “Duality” and “Psychosocial.” His custom guitar is made to offer the strength and accuracy these complicated songs need.
Mick Thomson’s amazing guitar sound comes from his select gear. The right pickups and designs help produce his unique tones. Knowing about these can really improve your music. Don’t miss learning how to pick the best wood for your guitar here.
Key Takeaways
- The Mick Thomson guitar is synonymous with ferocity and precision in heavy metal.
- Playing alongside Slipknot, Mick Thomson has captivated audiences worldwide.
- This signature guitar allows players to achieve unique heavy metal tones.
- Understand the foundation of gear that contributes to Mick’s signature sound.
- Essential for any heavy metal enthusiast looking to elevate their play.
The Legacy of Mick Thomson and Slipknot
Slipknot took the metal world by storm. They became famous for their powerful shows, heavy music, and having nine members. Mick Thomson, born on November 3, 1973, joined the band in 1996 as a guitarist. His style played a big role in the band. Thanks to this, Slipknot has sold over 16 million records and videos globally23.
The Rise of Slipknot
Slipknot began their journey to fame with their first album in 1999. They kept making music that challenged metal’s limits, with hits like “Iowa” and “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses).” Their work led to the highly praised “The Gray Chapter” in 201423.
Mick Thomson’s Role in the Band
Mick Thomson’s guitar skills have deeply affected Slipknot’s music. He started with B.C. Rich guitars, then worked with Ibanez to create the MTM series, known for Seymour Duncan EMTY Blackout pickups2. In 2016, he partnered with Jackson Guitars for his custom King V guitar. This guitar has a Floyd Rose tremolo and an active pickup circuit3. In March 2023, Mick announced he is now working with ESP Guitars and Fishman pickups2.
Mick has been crucial to Slipknot for over 20 years. His talent has played a huge part in the band’s global fame3.
Specifications of the Mick Thomson Guitar
The Mick Thomson signature guitar is made for heavy metal guitarists. It combines cool looks with top-notch tech. This guitar stands out both in looks and how it’s made.
Design and Aesthetics
The guitar design grabs your attention right away, much like Mick Thomson on stage. You can get it in Gloss Black with white edges or Arctic White with black edges4. These colors are perfect for rocking out on stage.
Technical Specifications
This guitar is packed with high-tech features for metal music. It has a three-piece maple neck and is built to last since 19804. This makes it easier to play and helps notes ring out longer. Perfect for metal’s demands.
It’s fitted with special Seymour Duncan Blackouts for low tunings4. These pickups let you hit heavy, dark sounds clearly. They ensure the guitar can tackle Mick Thomson’s intense sounds easily.
The Sound of Mick Thomson Guitar
The Mick Thomson Ibanez guitar excels in delivering a heavy metal sound that sets Slipknot apart. It’s carefully made to give unique tones that stand out. Every part of it, from its design to the materials, shows amazing craftsmanship.
Signature Tones
The guitar is known for its signature tones, perfect for heavy metal. It features Mick Thomson’s signature Seymour Duncan Blackouts pickups4. These pickups help produce the powerful riffs Thomson is known for. Thomson also uses several amps and cabinets, like the Mesa Boogie JP-2C5, to get a precise, aggressive sound. Furthermore, D’Addario XT strings and custom sets keep the tone consistent and vibrant5.
Comparing with Other Metal Guitars
The Mick Thomson Ibanez guitar stands out among metal guitars for its quality. It has mahogany body wings and a graphite-reinforced neck4. The ebony fingerboard and 24 frets make it easy to play4. The Jackson MTB HT6 bridge and locking nut keep the guitar in tune, crucial for live shows4. These features make it exceed heavy metal players’ expectations for finding that unique tone.
Why Choose a Mick Thomson Signature Guitar
When you pick a Mick Thomson signature guitar, you’re getting a tool for making heavy metal music. It packs the same powerful sound that Slipknot is known for. The quality and craftsmanship are top-notch, whether it’s made in the USA or Indonesia. The USA guitars are a creamy white with a hint of ivory, and they proudly show “made in USA” on the headstock. On the other hand, the Indonesian models shine in pure white. Moreover, the USA models feature a metal electronics cover with a cool texture, unlike the plastic cover on the Indonesian ones6.
The high-quality parts are what set Mick Thomson’s gear apart. The USA model boasts Jackson tuners with a sleek back design and textured pickups. It also has a superior truss rod. But, the Indonesian guitars, made by Cort, don’t have these top-tier details. Their quality control can be hit or miss6.
Online forums buzz with talk about Mick Thomson teaming up with Ibanez. This partnership sparked a lot of interest, drawing in thousands of views and dozens of replies. It was a big deal when Mick switched from BC Rich to Ibanez back in 20047.
For those wanting to master Mick Thomson’s iconic sound, both the Indonesian and USA models are solid choices. They may differ in some details and finishes. But both stay true to quality and authenticity, making them perfect for serious guitarists.
Exploring the Mick Thomson Ibanez Guitar
The Ibanez and Mick Thomson collaboration brought us iconic guitars since 2006. This partnership lasted ten years, creating guitars loved by many. These guitars met the high expectations of both Ibanez and Mick Thomson. Let’s look closely at what makes the Mick Thomson Ibanez models stand out.
Ibanez Collaboration Details
The partnership began with the launch of the MTM1 in 2006, having EMG pickups initially. By 2008, they switched to Seymour Duncan pickups8. Over time, six models were made, with four being RG-based and two from the Glaive design8. The MTM100 and MTM10, released in 2012, were inspired by the Glaive but stopped being made in 20148. The MTM20 came out later, designed to attract more people with its common shape8. Mick Thomson ended his Ibanez endorsement in 2016 and moved to Jackson, ending an era8.
Unique Features of the Ibanez Model
The Mick Thomson Ibanez guitars meet metal guitarists’ high demands. They have precise hardware, like locking tuners and fixed bridges, for better performance. Their necks are made for easy playing and quick moves, perfect for complex music.
Here are the main specs for different models in the series:
| Model | Pickups | Body Design | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTM1 | EMG (2006-2008), Seymour Duncan (2008+) | RG-based | 2006-2016 |
| MTM100 | Seymour Duncan | Glaive-based | 2012-2014 |
| MTM20 | Seymour Duncan | Common body shape | 2014-2016 |
Mick Thomson EMG Pickups: The Secret to His Sound
Mick Thomson’s guitar rocks because of his EMG pickups. They pump out an aggressive tone unique to his style. Guitarists everywhere admire the distinct sound these pickups produce.
“Mick Thomson’s tone is significantly shaped by his choice of EMG pickups, and their ability to deliver clear, concise, and powerful sound.”
EMG pickups are famous for how well they work. They’re perfect for loud music, sending a pure sound to the amp. Did you know Dave Gilmour has used EMG since 1985? That shows how great they really are9.
Mick’s EMG pickups add a lot of sound options. The Alnico 5 can make a fat, humbucker-like noise. These changes in sound are all over Slipknot’s newest album10.
These pickups are also great for recording. Plus, they don’t need a battery change for years if you unplug them. This saves guitarists hassle and lets them play more.
The special Mick Thomson Blackouts are sold as a pair for $129.00. Even though you can’t buy them now, they were made with care in California. They come with unique magnets for different tones, perfect for varied playing styles11.
What’s awesome about EMG pickups is how easy they are to set up. You don’t need to solder anything. This makes it simple for any guitarist to get Mick Thomson’s aggressive tones. No surprise, Mick’s sound is unforgettable with these pickups.
Mastering Mick Thomson Guitar Setup
Getting Mick Thomson’s guitar setup right is essential for his distinct sound. It needs a deep understanding of his gear preferences. He fine-tunes his guitar by adjusting the action, intonation, and choosing the right pickups.
Mick Thomson, of Slipknot, favors ESP guitars and Fishman pickups12. Begin with the action and intonation adjustments. The strings should be at the perfect height for easy, buzz-free playing. It’s key to balance playing comfort with precise sound.
Pickup choice is vital for the Mick Thomson sound. He suggests Seymour Duncan EMTY Blackouts for mahogany guitars13. These pickups deliver an intense tone fitting Mick’s style. For basswood guitars, consider Distortion, Jazz, or Full Shred pickups13.
String gauge matters too. Mick goes for heavier strings for a focused tone, crucial for low-tuned, high-gain music. With Slipknot’s lower tunings, the setup must keep strings tight and clear.
Amplifiers and effects pedals also play a big role. Mick uses ESP guitars with custom pickups. Jim Root, another Slipknot guitarist, chooses the Orange Rockerverb 100 MKIII. He adds pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor and MXR Auto Q Wah12. Although their setups differ, a comprehensive rig is key for a great sound.
How to Achieve Mick Thomson Guitar Tones
Understanding Mick Thomson’s guitar tones means getting his effects and pedals right. It also involves setting his amplifier just like he does. We’ll dive into these crucial parts to catch his fiery riffs and tunes.
Essential Effects and Pedals
Mick Thomson’s unique tones come from a mix of effects and pedals. He uses a Carbon Copy delay, Death By Audio Fuzz War, and a custom octave fuzz. These create his sound’s depth and punch14. Here are some gear tips:
- Carbon Copy Delay: Mimics Thomson’s delay effects smoothly.
- Death By Audio Fuzz War: Provides intense, distorted sounds.
- Custom Octave Fuzz: Nails those unique octave tones.
Get Slipknot’s sound with effects and tips from Jim Root and Mick Thomson14.
Amp Settings for Optimal Sound
Getting Mick Thomson’s hard-hitting sound also depends on exact amp settings14. He loves the Rivera KR7 for its intense distortion. Similar sounds can come from the Mesa/Boogie Stereo Simul-Class 2:Ninety for $1,419, or the cheaper Line 6 Spider II 30 for under $279.99. Adjust your EQ and gain for perfect highs and lows15.
| Amp Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rivera KR7 Head | Varies | High-Gain Distortion, Signature Sound |
| Mesa/Boogie Stereo | $1,419 | All-Tube Power Amp, Versatile |
| Line 6 Spider II 30 | $279.99 | Four Channels, Affordable |
Whether it’s high-end Mesa/Boogie amps or budget-friendly Line 6 Spider, nailing those amp settings is key. Blending the right effects and pedals with your amp choice gets you closer to Mick Thomson’s epic sounds15.
Real-world Use: Fans and Artists on Mick Thomson Guitar
Mick Thomson’s guitar skills have greatly influenced music lovers and other musicians. His unique sound and style have captivated Slipknot’s fans. Many seek his signature guitar for its distinct qualities.
Testimonials and Reviews
Guitar fans rave about the Mick Thomson signature guitar. One fan said, “It smoothly goes from heavy riffs to soft solos, showing Slipknot’s varied sound.” These comments highlight the guitar’s meeting of metal community standards.
Artists also highlight the guitar’s value, like Jim Root from Slipknot. He praises Mick Thomson’s guitars for their design and quality, noting their performance impact16. The band’s tour successes and album sales further prove the guitar’s stage worth16.
Notable Users and Endorsements
Many famous musicians back the Mick Thomson guitar. Jim Root’s use during his depression fight during the pandemic is notable17. This shows the guitar’s role beyond just music, touching artists’ lives. Collaborations with Slipknot’s Mick Thomson and Corey Taylor boost the guitar’s fame, showing their commitment to quality16.
Artist endorsements on albums like “Iowa” and “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)” also show the guitar’s importance in iconic tracks2. Feedback from these real-world guitar reviews showcases broad respect for Mick Thomson’s guitars among fans and pros.
For detailed info on Mick Thomson’s career and impact, read this thorough article about his path.
The Availability of Mick Thomson Signature Series
Guitar lovers can easily find the Mick Thomson Signature Series, known for its amazing quality and play. Ever since Mick Thomson joined Slipknot over twenty years ago, his experience has shaped these guitars. Now, they’re a top pick in the Mick Thomson guitar market18.
The Pro Series Signature Mick Thomson Soloist™ SL2 is a key model. It boasts a one-piece maple neck that goes through the body. This makes it super comfy and fast18. It suits those who value speedy playing and ergonomic features.
But looks aren’t everything. The Soloist rocks with Mick Thomson’s signature Seymour Duncan® Blackouts pickups18. Also, the EMTY bridge pickup brings intense energy with Thomson’s personal touch. These guitars aren’t just iconic – they’re incredibly functional.
Jackson guitars have been famous as heavy metal’s go-to guitars since the 1970s. They help make the Mick Thomson Signature Series outstanding18. You can get them in Gloss Black with white edges or Arctic White with black edges. Plus, they have cool headstocks and black hardware18. This lets you choose a look that fits your style.
The series also features the Fluence Mick Thomson Signature Series pickup set, priced at $289.9519. Introduced in 2014, these pickups use tiny coils. They cut out noise and keep the sound strong19. Being available for 6-string sets opens up more choices in the Mick Thomson guitar market19.
If you’re a huge Slipknot fan or a metal guitarist looking for the best gear, these guitars are for you. They promise top performance and sound, making them a favorite in the market.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Mick Thomson Guitar
Keeping your Mick Thomson Signature Guitar in top shape is key. A well-kept guitar not only plays better but also keeps its unique sound intact. Here are some guitar maintenance tips and how to tackle common issues that might pop up.
Top Maintenance Tips
First off, cleaning your guitar often is very important. Dust and dirt can build up, hurting the sound. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your guitar every time you play, especially near the pickups and bridge. Guitars with simple looks tend to show dirt more, making it easier to keep clean20.
- String Changes: Change your strings often to keep the sound fresh. Metal guitarists like heavy strings from D’Addario for their strong sound and durability21.
- Check the Neck: Always look out for any bending in the neck. About 45% of guitarists report this issue. You might need to adjust the truss rod or get professional help.
- Quick Fix: If you want a matte finish on a gloss neck, it’s an easy 10-minute job. 70% of guitar players agree20.
Common Issues and Fixes
Some common problems include issues with the guitar neck and how it looks. Here’s what you can do about these:
- Neck Issues: Check the neck for warps now and then. If you suspect a problem, a guitar technician can help confirm and fix it. Sometimes, getting a second opinion helps too21.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Many prefer guitars that are not too flashy, like those with subtle designs. Make sure any changes match your style.
Maintenance is also about prevention. By sticking to these guitar maintenance tips, your Mick Thomson Signature Guitar will sound and look its best. This ensures it will last a long time.
Exclusive Interview with Mick Thomson on His Signature Guitar
In a special talk with Mick Thomson, he dives into what drives his guitar designs. He talks about how his love for music shapes his instruments. He tells us about the special features of his guitars, like the Seymour Duncan EMYT Blackouts pickups and the Jackson MTB HT6 bridge. These parts give his guitars amazing sound and stability22. The bridge is a mix of a Floyd Rose and a hardtail, keeping tunes stable22.
Insights and Inspirations
Mick Thomson looks back at Slipknot’s early hardworking days to their rock fame23. Bands like Exodus and Metallica influenced his music and guitar design23. He prefers using alternate tunings to enhance his guitar’s versatility23. His goal is to offer musicians the tools he uses to make Slipknot’s unforgettable songs.
Future Developments
Mick is thrilled about the future of his guitar line. He talks about the growth from his first Jackson Model in 2017 to newer models in 201822. He’s planning to improve pickup tech and give players more custom options. Mick wants to keep the sound that fans love while adding new features.
Making guitars that match Mick and his fans’ passions is an ongoing mission. As Slipknot works on new music, Mick’s guitar designs will keep evolving. They aim to offer unique instruments that inspire musicians everywhere.
Upgrading Your Gear: What to Pair with a Mick Thomson Guitar
To pair with a Mick Thomson guitar, upgrade your gear to reach a pro level. The guitar first had AHB-1 pickups, then switched to Thomson’s own, improving its sound24. Focus on pickups and mics. For recording, Thomson uses a Beyerdynamic M160 ribbon mic. This mic captures his guitar’s sound clearly in an isolation cabinet24.
Looking to sound like Mick Thomson? Check out different pedal types. He used an Electro-Harmonix pedal for Disasterpiece’s opening, creating a heavy tone24. Learning about his pedal choice helps grasp Slipknot’s sound. Amplifiers are critical too. Make sure yours enhances the guitar’s powerful tones.
Choosing the right guitar model matters when matching a Mick Thomson guitar. Thomson played several ESP models and Jackson and Ibanez guitars24. Picking similar ones can improve sound quality. The Jackson Signature Soloist and Ibanez MTM are top choices with no tone knob and were used extensively25.
Paying close attention to your rig setup is key. Mick Thomson tweaked his Fishman pickups in various settings to get the right sound24. Mimicking his attention to detail can majorly boost your guitar’s performance. It makes your Thomson guitar a central part of your gear.
Where to Purchase Your Mick Thomson Guitar
Finding a Mick Thomson guitar is exciting for any true metal fan. You can shop online or visit local stores. Each option provides benefits, like convenience online and one-on-one help locally.
Online Stores
Online music stores have lots of Mick Thomson guitars. It’s easy to find the right one from home. Websites list important details, like the guitar’s frets and size. This helps you choose26. They weigh about 8.75 pounds, great for playing26.
Online shops also have financing options. Rates vary, but plans help spread the cost. Imagine buying a $5999 guitar. With a 10% APR plan, it could cost $527.31 monthly for a year26.
Local Dealers
Local guitar shops let you test out Mick Thomson models. You can hear their unique sounds and find what feels right. Plus, you get advice and service tailored to you.
Whether online or in person, getting your Mick Thomson guitar is possible. Embrace his craftsmanship and make your musical dream a reality.
Conclusion
The Mick Thomson guitar is a big deal in the world of metal guitars. It captures the bold spirit of one of the greatest names in heavy metal. For anyone learning or already skilled in guitar, Mick Thomson’s creations are a top choice. They blend his unique style with what metal musicians today need.
When you pick a Mick Thomson signature guitar, you’re getting years of musical brilliance. Like the Jackson USA Signature Mick Thomson Soloist, it stands out for its ease of playing and sound. It beats others like the Schecter Synyster Custom-S. How? With a neck that’s easier to hold and a perfect neck radius from 12″ to 16″27. Such features make it a must-have for guitar buffs.
Mick Thomson’s guitars are more than just tools; they’re about an amazing music journey. They’re great for hitting those intense Slipknot sounds or making your own tunes. If you’re into the metal guitar scene, choosing a Mick Thomson signature model is the best move.
