GuitarDistortedRiff
Hell Bent for Leather Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Judas Priest
Judas Priest · 1970s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, likely black finish, as used by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing on the album)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Super Humbucker, stock for late 1970s Les Paul Custom)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, late 1970s, as used by Judas Priest in studio for 'Hell Bent for Leather')
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1978. Both Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing used Les Paul Customs through Marshall JMPs for rhythm tracks on this album. No evidence of pedals or effects for the riff section; distortion from amp. No chorus, delay, or flanger audible in the riff. No evidence of effects loop or amp-based reverb used for rhythm.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- midrange punch
- crisp high-end bite
- classic British crunch
- articulate note separation
- saturated but clear
- focused and driving
- no audible modulation or delay
- full-bodied rhythm sound