GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Animal Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Def Leppard
Def Leppard · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jackson Soloist (likely Phil Collen) and Gibson Les Paul Custom (likely Steve Clark)
Pickups
Jackson: DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker (bridge), Gibson: stock humbuckers
Amp
Tom Scholz Rockman X100 (primary for riff), with some layering from Randall RG100ES (rarely) and Gallien-Krueger 250ML (intro feedback only)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (humbucker) for main riff
Studio recording, 1986-1987 for the 'Hysteria' album. The main riff tone is almost entirely the original Tom Scholz Rockman X100 headphone amp/amp simulator, not a traditional amp. The Gallien-Krueger 250ML was used only for the intro feedback, and the Randall RG100ES was used live or for rare overdubs. No traditional pedalboard was used for the riff; all effects were rack/studio or built into the Rockman.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5.5
Gain6
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- modulation-drenched
- bright and articulate
- tight and punchy rhythm
- crystal clear palm mutes
- lush layered guitars
- chorus shimmer
- defined note separation
- radio-friendly sheen
- not overly distorted
- precise, clean attack
Notes & Caveats
- No exact numeric amp settings for the Rockman X100 found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Rockman usage for 1980s Def Leppard and genre/era.
- Guitar model alternates between Jackson Soloist (Phil Collen) and Gibson Les Paul Custom (Steve Clark); both used for layered parts, but main riff likely Collen's Jackson with bridge humbucker.
- No pedals were used for the riff section; all effects are from the Rockman or studio rack units.
- Chorus and delay are clearly audible and confirmed by sources as part of the Rockman and/or rack effects.
- Gallien-Krueger 250ML was only used for the intro feedback, not the main riff.
- Presence and reverb settings are estimated based on typical Rockman and 1980s rock production.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Def Leppard's 'Animal' riff tone is a polished, mid-forward 80s hard rock sound with moderate gain, tight low end, and clear but not harsh highs, likely achieved with a Rockman or Marshall preamp and studio processing. These settings reflect the era's production, the band's typical gear, and the song's smooth, articulate crunch.