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Rainbow In the Dark Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dio
Dio · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
1970s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (wine red, mini-humbuckers, stock electronics)
Pickups
Gibson mini-humbuckers (stock, 1970s)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1982-1983)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Holy Diver' album, 1982-1983. Vivian Campbell confirmed in Guitar World interview he used his wine red Les Paul Deluxe and a Marshall JCM800 for the album's rhythm tracks. No evidence of other guitars or amps for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight, saturated rhythm crunch
- aggressive palm muting
- articulate attack
- classic 80s Marshall bite
- focused midrange punch
- singing sustain
- clear note separation
- slightly scooped but not hollow
- percussive chug
- harmonic overtones
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on Marshall JCM800 typical usage for 80s metal and genre/era conventions.
- No explicit pedal or effect model confirmed for the riff section in studio; no evidence of Tube Screamer or other overdrive/boost for rhythm, only for solos.
- No evidence of chorus, flanger, or delay on rhythm/riff section; only amp reverb is faintly audible.
- All gear and settings are for the studio recording, not live.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Vivian Campbell's tone on 'Rainbow In the Dark' is classic early 80s high-gain with a tight, articulate sound—likely a hot-modded Marshall with moderate bass, balanced mids, and bright but not harsh treble. Presence is boosted for clarity, and reverb is minimal, matching the dry, punchy production style of the era.