[Mark Holcomb] How to Recreate the Periphery Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Mark Holcomb is renowned as the guitarist of the American progressive metal band Periphery, celebrated for his unique riff work utilizing 7-string and 8-string guitars, as well as his ethereal and intricate clean tones.

His playing style is characterized by a modern gent riff that leverages ultra-low frequencies, combined with beautiful arpeggios and expansive atmospheric phrases. Iconic tracks such as “Marigold,” “Scarlet,” and “The Bad Thing” showcase his ability to balance overwhelming sound pressure with delicate nuances.

Holcomb’s sound is crafted through a combination of custom pickups featured in his PRS signature model, high-gain amps with distinct separation, and atmospheric effects. Notably, the Seymour Duncan Dark Sun delay/reverb pedal, which he co-developed, has become essential in creating his unique sense of floating sound.

The reason his sound garners attention lies in his ability to create modern, tight rhythm guitar that embodies the “gent” genre while simultaneously coexisting with spacious and beautiful melodies. The heavy yet delicate tone he achieves has become an aspiration for many guitarists and a subject of gear research.

This article will comprehensively explain the amplifiers, guitars, and effects used by Mark Holcomb in Periphery, along with specific EQ points for sound creation and methods for beginners to approximate his tone affordably.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Periphery

List of Amplifiers and Features

Mark Holcomb’s overwhelming sound in Periphery is underpinned by his selection of modern high-gain amplifiers. A key component frequently used in live performances and recordings is the Peavey 6505+, which combines the tight low-end characteristic of gent with an aggressive high gain. This amp is a staple in the metal scene, allowing for precise adjustments through independent EQ settings, thus contributing to the balance of his complex riff work and clean parts.

Another significant amplifier in his rig is the PRS Archon, known for its excellent balance between clean and drive tones, particularly with its smooth crunch quality. Holcomb often switches from heavy riffs to clean tones in his modern sound, making this flexibility essential.

Additionally, the compact yet powerful PRS MT 15 has been confirmed for use in studio and small live settings. This Mark Tremonti model boasts high-gain sound that exceeds its size, making it valuable for home practice and demo production.

In the past, Holcomb has incorporated the Marshall JMP-1 preamp and Marshall EL34 100/100 power amp into his rig, which were utilized for texture adjustments during recordings and achieving stereo output in live settings. This likely contributed to a thicker, more dimensional sound.

Overall, Holcomb adapts his amplifier choices based on the scale of the performance and the nuances of the desired sound. While grounded in modern high gain, he combines various amplifiers to ensure clean tones and atmospheric resonance, which are key to his unique, dimensional sound.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

When discussing Mark Holcomb’s sound, his signature model, the PRS SE Mark Holcomb, cannot be overlooked. It features a 24-fret design, a 25.5-inch scale, and an ebony fingerboard, equipped with the latest Seymour Duncan “Scarlet & Scourge” pickups. These pickups are designed to be compatible with modeling amps, boasting a wide range and high responsiveness. The previous version featured “Alpha & Omega,” known for its modern low-end reproduction. This guitar serves as a central element in supporting Holcomb’s distinctive tight riffs during live performances and recordings.

The higher-end PRS Mark Holcomb Limited Edition (LE) is based on the SE model and is characterized by a sound that emphasizes low frequencies. Its use of higher-quality materials and finishes has been confirmed in studio recordings.

Additionally, the MAYONES Regius is part of Holcomb’s rig. With an 11-ply laminated neck and a through-neck construction, it excels in sound separation and responsiveness. This guitar is often seen in live footage, suitable for his edgy lead playing.

Furthermore, the Aristides 070 features a non-wood structure made from a new material called Alium, providing rich sustain. Its unique texture, absent in traditional wood, is believed to aid in recreating the spatial tones characteristic of Periphery.

The classic PRS Custom 24 is also utilized, known for its versatility across various genres. It offers excellent balance from low to high frequencies, adapting flexibly to Holcomb’s diverse phrasing.

All these guitars embody Holcomb’s sound concept of balancing tightness and expansiveness. They are utilized for different purposes, whether live, studio, or experimental approaches, resulting in a unique sonic image.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

One of the key elements supporting Mark Holcomb’s sound is his diverse array of effects. His playing emphasizes not only the heaviness of riffs but also the beauty of clean tones and ethereal spatial expressions, achieved through a wide range of effects from distortion to atmospheric types.

Notable among these is the Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster. This booster not only increases volume but also allows for three selectable tone characters, changing the quality of gain pushed into the amp. It is effective in emphasizing clarity during lead play or adding thickness to rhythm sections.

For distortion, the Seymour Duncan 805 Overdrive and BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone are well-known. The 805 features a 3-band EQ, allowing for fine-tuning across low to high frequencies, contributing to Holcomb’s tight riff creation. Meanwhile, the MT-2 is a staple metal distortion that maintains powerful sound pressure even at low volumes.

Another crucial component of his board is the Horizon Devices Precision Drive. With a built-in noise gate, it cuts excessive low-end, maintaining clarity even in ultra-low riffs. This item is emblematic of gent sound.

In terms of atmospheric effects, the Seymour Duncan Dark Sun, which Holcomb helped develop, is particularly distinctive. This pedal combines delay and reverb, easily constructing deep ambience. Many of the ethereal clean tones found in Periphery’s music are believed to be built around this effect.

Moreover, his rack system includes the Marshall JMP-1 (preamp) and Marshall EL34 100/100 (power amp), confirming a setup that controls the overall sound. Depending on the live environment, it is assumed that switchers and power supplies were also integrated into the board.

Thus, Mark Holcomb possesses a pedalboard configuration that combines tight distortion with expansive atmospheric effects, ensuring flexibility to transition seamlessly between rhythm and clean tones. While there may be changes based on the period or tour, the fundamental direction remains focused on “clear riffs + ethereal cleans.”

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Mark Holcomb’s sound creation embodies the modern gent sound unique to Periphery, necessitating meticulous EQ and mixing techniques beyond mere high gain. His tone is designed around “tight low-end,” “clear midrange,” and “expansive high-end,” optimized for both live and recording scenarios.

Regarding EQ settings, he avoids excessive boosting of low frequencies, instead using the amp and Precision Drive to cut unnecessary low-end. This ensures that the low frequencies of his 7-string and 8-string guitars remain clear and distinct from the bass in the overall mix. The midrange is slightly emphasized to ensure the presence of guitar riffs, while the high-end is smoothly lifted to highlight picking nuances.

For specific amp settings, the Peavey 6505+ typically has Bass set around 4-5, Mid at 6-7, Treble at 6, and Presence at 5. In contrast, the PRS Archon switches between clean and drive channels, where the Treble and Mid are reduced during clean settings, and Presence is slightly boosted during drive settings. In smaller studios, the PRS MT 15 is often used with lower gain, balanced by the Precision Drive.

His approach to effects is also unique. The Dark Sun’s delay and reverb are set not merely for echo effects but to create a “floating” sensation within the music. Delay times are synced to the song’s tempo, with feedback kept moderate and mix ratios around 40%. This ensures that even during clean tones, the sound remains defined while adding depth.

The Precision Drive utilizes its noise gate function to suppress unwanted low-end noise, tightening up riffs. Particularly in live settings, the gate’s settings are crucial; if set too aggressively, sustain can be unnaturally cut off, necessitating careful adjustments to retain the resonance of open strings while eliminating unwanted noise. The 805 Overdrive is set with a slightly boosted midrange to ensure the guitar stands out in the band ensemble.

During the mixing phase, guitars are often double-tracked or quad-tracked. Low frequencies below 100Hz are cut, and around 250Hz is slightly reduced to prevent muddiness. The 2kHz-4kHz range is boosted to ensure attack presence, while a small amount is added around 8kHz for airiness. Compression is used sparingly, maintaining natural dynamics while balancing sound pressure.

Distinctive adjustments are made for each song. In “Marigold,” the focus is on clean tones, with reverb set wide on the Dark Sun. In “The Bad Thing,” an aggressive riff sound is achieved by combining the Precision Drive with the 6505+. These settings are fine-tuned for each tour or album, but the underlying principles remain consistent: “tight low-end,” “midrange presence,” and “spatial expansion” form the three pillars of his sound.

Ultimately, Mark Holcomb’s sound creation is not just about gear selection but is completed through active use of EQ and mixing. This comprehensive approach, including engineering, is believed to recreate the complex and dimensional sound of Periphery.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Mark Holcomb’s sound is supported by signature models, high-end amps, and custom effects, but it is possible for beginners and intermediate players to approximate his tone using commercially available gear. Here, we introduce alternative equipment that can deliver Holcomb-like sound at a price range of approximately $100-$500.

For guitars, the PRS SE series presents a realistic option. While signature models can be somewhat pricey, the Custom 24 and Standard 24 from the same SE line are more affordable. With a 24-fret design and maple neck construction, these guitars offer a tight and responsive playing experience, allowing players to experience the foundational characteristics of Holcomb’s sound.

In terms of amplifiers, the BOSS “Katana” series is highly recommended for its cost-performance ratio. It covers a wide range from modern high gain to clean tones, allowing users to mimic Holcomb’s sound creation through its EQ and built-in effects. Additionally, the compact yet powerful “Peavey Vypyr” series can replicate sounds reminiscent of the 6505+ at an accessible price point.

For effects, affordable overdrives like the BOSS SD-1 or MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D. can serve as substitutes for the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone and Horizon Devices Precision Drive. The SD-1 helps tighten low frequencies and shape gent contours effectively. Furthermore, alternatives to the Dark Sun include the BOSS DD-8 and NUX Atlantic, which can recreate the ethereal spatial expressions through their delay and reverb combinations.

Particularly recommended for beginners are multi-effects units. The Line 6 POD Go and BOSS GT-1 incorporate amp simulations and a wealth of effects, allowing users to create sounds that emulate the Precision Drive or Archon. Utilizing these tools can help players easily approach Holcomb’s sound nuances, whether for home practice or small live performances.

The key points to focus on are “tightening the low-end,” “enhancing midrange presence,” and “creating spatial expansion with effects.” By keeping these elements in mind, it is possible to get closer to Holcomb’s signature sound without needing to invest in expensive gear.

Summary and Conclusion

Mark Holcomb’s sound embodies the tightness and expansiveness that symbolize the gent scene, achieved through the exquisite combination of his signature PRS SE Mark Holcomb model, high-gain amps, and atmospheric effects. By shaping the low-end with the Precision Drive, reinforcing midrange presence with EQ, and adding ethereal reverberation through the Dark Sun, he creates the unique soundscape characteristic of Periphery.

The essence of his sound creation lies in the approach of “stripping away the unnecessary and highlighting only the essential elements.” Adjustments such as cutting low-end, boosting midrange, and enhancing high-end clarity explain why he can accommodate a wide range from ultra-low riffs to delicate cleans. This ensures a consistently clear sound in both live and recording settings.

Moreover, beyond the selection of gear, it is crucial to adjust with an awareness of the overall role within the mix. No matter how good the sound of the guitar is on its own, if it gets buried when mixed with bass and drums, it loses its purpose. Holcomb understands this and collaborates closely with engineers to achieve meticulous sound crafting, resulting in the complex and layered sound of Periphery.

For beginners, acquiring high-end signature models or dedicated amps may be challenging. However, by focusing on the key points, it is possible to recreate Holcomb’s tone with relatively affordable gear. “Tightening the low-end,” “ensuring midrange presence,” and “creating spatial expansion with effects”—keeping these three elements in mind can significantly align your sound direction with his.

Ultimately, the allure of Mark Holcomb’s sound creation lies not only in leveraging the specs of his gear but also in the meticulous optimization of tone to match his playing style and song structure. If you aim to achieve the Holcomb sound, it is essential to incorporate his “sound creation philosophy” rather than merely assembling the same gear.