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Rock Bottom (2025 Remaster) — Kiss1 / 2
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Rock Bottom (2025 Remaster) Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Kiss

Kiss · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (mid-1970s, likely tobacco burst, with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker)
Amp
Marshall Superlead 100 (Plexi, early 1970s)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1975 original session (remastered 2025). Ace Frehley is documented using a Les Paul with a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge and a Marshall Superlead head, no evidence of pedals for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and artist interviews stating 'cranked to 10'.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6.5
Gain
7
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

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Tone Character

  • classic British crunch
  • aggressive bridge pickup attack
  • tight palm-muted chugs
  • bright upper mids
  • punchy power chords
  • dynamic pick attack
  • open, uncompressed drive
  • slight amp breakup
  • minimal reverb, dry studio sound

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit numeric amp settings for 'Rock Bottom' found in sources; settings estimated based on Marshall Superlead typical use in 1970s classic rock and Ace Frehley's own statements about running amps 'cranked to 10'.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or additional effects used on the riff section; Ace Frehley is noted for plugging straight into the amp for this era.
  • ⚠️Pickup model (DiMarzio Super Distortion) inferred from period-correct interviews and gear rundowns, but not directly cited for this specific session.
  • ⚠️Reverb setting is estimated low due to dry, punchy studio sound; Marshall Superlead has no built-in reverb, so any reverb would be from the studio or added in mixing.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Ace Frehley's tone on 'Rock Bottom' is classic 70s hard rock: crunchy but not overly saturated, with a mid-forward, articulate sound typical of a Les Paul into a Marshall. The 2025 remaster preserves the original's punchy mids, balanced bass, and bright but not harsh treble, with minimal reverb as per 70s production.

Sources