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Hysteria — Def Leppard1 / 2
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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

Mids
5.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
0
Reverb
3.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

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

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp settings found for Rockman X100 or GK 250ML; settings estimated based on typical Rockman clean usage and era.
  • ⚠️Guitar model confirmed for Steve Clark on Hysteria, but pickup selector position inferred from tone and typical clean Les Paul usage.
  • ⚠️Chorus effect is clearly audible and confirmed by sources; specific chorus pedal model (Boss CE-2) is documented.
  • ⚠️Some layering with Gallien-Krueger GK 250ML possible, but Rockman X100 is primary for clean riff.
  • ⚠️No evidence of delay, flanger, or other modulation on clean riff section; chorus is dominant effect.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Hysteria' riff tone is polished, moderately driven, and mid-forward, typical of 80s British rock/pop production. Def Leppard used Rockman and Marshall amps with moderate gain, balanced EQ, and subtle reverb for clarity and sheen, matching the era's production and the band's signature sound.

Sources