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Die to Live — Steve Vai1 / 2
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Die to Live Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Steve Vai

Steve Vai · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Ibanez JEM7V
Pickups
DiMarzio Evolution (humbucker, bridge position for riff)
Amp
Carvin Legacy (VL100 or Legacy I head, studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1995 (Alien Love Secrets album). Steve Vai is confirmed to have used his Ibanez JEM7V with DiMarzio Evolution pickups and Carvin Legacy amp for this era and album. No evidence of Axe-FX or digital modelers in the studio for this track; effects added post or via pedals. Effects are mostly from pedals or rack, not amp.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Ibanez Jemini Distortion · distortion
  • Morley Bad Horsie Wah · wah
  • Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay

Ibanez JEM7V → Ibanez Jemini Distortion → Morley Bad Horsie Wah (for accents) → Delay pedal (short delay) → Carvin Legacy amp (spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and articulate
  • high-gain saturation
  • percussive attack
  • clear note separation
  • aggressive bridge pickup sound
  • singing sustain
  • slightly compressed
  • crisp top end
  • focused midrange
  • modern rock/metal clarity

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings for 'Die to Live' found; settings estimated based on Carvin Legacy typical usage for Vai in 1990s studio context.
  • ⚠️Pedal/effect models for this specific song/section are not explicitly confirmed in sources; included only effects that are clearly audible in the recording and/or strongly associated with Vai's 1990s studio rig.
  • ⚠️No evidence of Axe-FX or digital modelers used in studio for this track; live rig differs.
  • ⚠️No explicit pickup selector position found, but bridge humbucker is standard for Vai's riff tones of this era.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Vai's riff tone on 'Die to Live' is saturated but articulate, with a tight low end, forward mids, and cutting yet smooth highs typical of his Legacy amp settings. The reverb is minimal, as the production is punchy and dry, and the presence is boosted for clarity and air.

Sources