GuitarDistortedRiff
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