Holy Diver — Dio1 / 2
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Holy Diver Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Dio

Dio · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1970s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (wine red, 'Holy Diver Les Paul')
Pickups
DiMarzio X2N humbuckers (bridge and neck, era-correct for 1983 recording)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Vivian Campbell used his wine red Les Paul Deluxe with DiMarzio X2N pickups into a Marshall JCM800 for the Holy Diver album. Boss OD-1/SD-1 overdrive pedal used for solo boost. No evidence of modulation or delay pedals in studio; reverb likely from studio or amp room mic. All gear confirmed for studio, not live.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
8
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Boss OD-1 OverDrive (or SD-1 Super OverDrive) · overdrive

Guitar (Les Paul Deluxe with DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup) → Boss OD-1 OverDrive → Marshall JCM800 2203 head → Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • high-gain saturation
  • singing sustain
  • cutting upper mids
  • articulate pick attack
  • minimal ambience
  • classic Marshall crunch
  • focused lead presence
  • compressed, punchy solo tone

Sources