GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Live Wire Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, white, likely with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker, ceramic magnet, high output)
Amp
Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959 (likely modded, late 1970s/early 1980s, no master volume)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1981 (Too Fast for Love album). Mick Mars is widely documented to have used a white Gibson Les Paul Custom with a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge and a late 70s Marshall Plexi head, often modded for more gain. No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; tone is raw and direct. No chorus, delay, or reverb audible on the riff. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp type.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb0.5
Treble7.5
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive attack
- mid-forward punch
- saturated British crunch
- razor-sharp pick attack
- articulate note separation
- raw and direct
- high-output humbucker bite
- minimal ambience
- slightly scooped highs
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source provides exact amp knob settings for 'Live Wire' riff; values estimated based on Marshall Plexi usage in early 80s LA metal.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the riff section; all effects arrays left empty except for amp reverb (set to 0).
- Pickup and amp model inferred from multiple interviews and period photos; no direct studio log available.
- If new evidence emerges of pedal use on this specific recording, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mick Mars on 'Live Wire' used a modded Marshall with high gain for aggressive 80s metal crunch, tight bass, slightly scooped mids, and bright, cutting treble/presence. The production is dry with little reverb, matching early 80s LA metal conventions.