GuitarDistortedRiff
Living After Midnight Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Judas Priest
Judas Priest · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Flying V (K.K. Downing) or Hamer Standard (Glenn Tipton) – likely Flying V for riff
Pickups
EMG 81 Active Humbucker (K.K. Downing era-correct) or stock Gibson humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM800 1959 Mk II Super Lead (studio, 1980 British Steel recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1980. Both K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton used Marshall JCM800 1959 Mk II Super Lead heads into Marshall 4x12 cabinets. Downing primarily used a Gibson Flying V with EMG 81 pickups for riff work on British Steel. No evidence of effects loop or extensive pedal use on the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5
Gain7
Reverb0.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- thin and bright
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- classic British crunch
- aggressive attack
- crunchy and articulate
- punchy rhythm
- high clarity
- bold and theatrical
- melodic but intense