GuitarDistortedRiff
Hysteria Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Def Leppard
Def Leppard · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jackson PC1 (Phil Collen signature, likely used for main riff tracking)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker, as used in PC1 at the time)
Amp
Scholz Rockman X100 Headphone Amp/DI (studio recording, main rhythm/riff sound)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (humbucker)
Studio recording, 1986-1987. The main riff tone on 'Hysteria' is widely documented as being tracked with a Scholz Rockman X100 direct to desk, with extensive layering and processing. Some sources mention Gallien-Krueger 250ML and John Hornby Skewes Rock-Box also being used for certain parts, but the Rockman is the primary source for the signature processed, chorus-heavy rhythm tone. Not a live rig. Effects are rack-based or from the Rockman itself.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain5.5
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Scholz Rockman X100 · modulation
Jackson PC1 (bridge humbucker) → Scholz Rockman X100 (chorus, echo, reverb on) → mixing desk
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Tone Character
- highly processed and layered
- chorus-heavy, shimmering clean/edge-of-breakup
- tight, compressed attack
- bright and glassy top end
- smooth sustain with minimal breakup
- studio-polished, not raw or crunchy
- distinct stereo chorus effect
- articulate, percussive picking
- 80s pop-rock production sheen
- no audible amp breakup or fuzziness