GuitarDistortedRiff
Rock of Ages Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Def Leppard
Def Leppard · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (Steve Clark) and Hamer Standard/Jackson Superstrat (Phil Collen)
Pickups
Humbuckers (likely Gibson PAF-style for Les Paul, DiMarzio Super Distortion or Jackson stock for Superstrat)
Amp
Rockman X100 headphone amp (studio recording, direct-in), with possible Marshall JCM800 2203 and various cabs for layering
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1982 (Pyromania sessions). The main riff tone is widely documented as being achieved with the Rockman X100, which was used direct to the board for the signature compressed, chorus-laden sound. Marshall JCM800s and other amps were used for layering, but the Rockman is the core sound for the riff. No evidence of pedals in front of the Rockman for the main riff. Effects are mostly from the Rockman unit and studio processing.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass5.5
Gain7.5
Reverb3
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Rockman X100 (built-in chorus, compression, distortion) · modulation
Guitar → Rockman X100 (chorus, compression, distortion, digital reverb) → Mixing console (direct-in)
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Tone Character
- tight, compressed rhythm crunch
- chorus-laden stereo spread
- bright, cutting attack
- highly processed, polished distortion
- tight palm-muted chugs
- articulate, percussive riffing
- sustained power chords
- studio multi-tracked layers
- distinctive 80s arena rock sheen
- minimal amp room ambience