GuitarDistortedRiff
Holy Diver Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dio
Dio · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Kramer Pacer (likely custom, early 1980s, Vivian Campbell's main guitar for Holy Diver album)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position, original 1980s model)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head with 4x12 Marshall cabinet (studio recording, 1982-1983)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1982-1983. Vivian Campbell used a Kramer Pacer with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge into a Marshall JCM800. A Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive was used as a boost into the amp for the riff/distorted sections. No evidence of other pedals or effects on the main riff. All information is specific to the studio recording of the riff section, not live or solo sections.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive · overdrive
Kramer Pacer (bridge pickup) → Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive → Marshall JCM800 2203 head → Marshall 4x12 cabinet (minimal spring reverb from amp or studio)
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- rich harmonic content
- powerful low-mid presence
- sharp, articulate attack
- classic British high-gain crunch
- singing sustain on single notes
- focused, punchy rhythm
- slightly scooped mids
- big, dominating sound