GuitarCleanRiff
Hysteria Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Def Leppard
Def Leppard · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (Steve Clark, studio recording, 1986-87)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely stock, three-pickup configuration)
Amp
Scholz Rockman X100 Headphone Amp (studio direct-in), sometimes Gallien-Krueger GK 250ML
Pickup Position
Neck or middle pickup (Les Paul Custom, 3-pickup configuration)
Studio recording, 1986-87. Clean guitar parts on 'Hysteria' riff/verse sections are widely documented to use the Scholz Rockman X100 for its signature processed, chorus-heavy clean sound. Some layering may include the Gallien-Krueger GK 250ML, but Rockman is primary. Pickup selector likely in middle or neck position for warmth. Effects are mostly rack or pedal-based, not amp-based.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Boss CE-2 Chorus · chorus
Gibson Les Paul Custom → Boss CE-2 Chorus → Scholz Rockman X100 (direct-in, with digital reverb and chorus)
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Tone Character
- processed and hi-fi
- shimmering and glassy
- lush stereo chorus
- tight and compressed
- bright but smooth
- no breakup or grit
- studio-polished
- even sustain
- soft attack
- distinct 80s clean pop-rock