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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
Notes & Caveats
- No official published knob settings for the Rockman X100 on 'Hysteria' exist; settings are estimated based on typical Rockman usage and era-appropriate tones.
- Some sources mention Gallien-Krueger 250ML and John Hornby Skewes Rock-Box being used for layering, but the main riff tone is consistently attributed to the Rockman.
- Exact chorus/delay/reverb settings are not published; effect types and presence are confirmed by both sources and clear audio evidence.
- Pickup model is inferred from Phil Collen's known Jackson PC1 with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup, as used on the album.
- Signal chain is simplified; actual studio process involved heavy multi-tracking and post-processing.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Hysteria' riff tone is a polished, mid-forward 80s rock sound with moderate gain, tight low end, and clear but not harsh highs. Def Leppard's Mutt Lange-era production favored balanced EQ, moderate reverb for space, and a smooth, chorus-processed crunch that sits between clean and hard rock, matching these settings.