GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
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)
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
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
Notes & Caveats
- No exact numeric Rockman X100 settings for 'Rock of Ages' found; settings estimated based on typical Rockman usage and 80s Def Leppard studio practices.
- Multiple sources confirm Rockman X100 was the primary source for the riff tone, with some Marshall JCM800 layering for thickness.
- No evidence of external pedals used for the main riff; chorus and compression are integral to the Rockman unit.
- Pickup and guitar model inferred from period-correct photos, interviews, and known studio practices for Pyromania.
- Amp settings are estimated for Rockman X100 and JCM800 based on era and genre; no direct documentation for this song's riff section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Rock of Ages was recorded in the early 80s with Mutt Lange's polished production, using Marshall amps (likely JCM800s) with high gain but not modern metal saturation. The tone is tight, focused, and mid-forward but not scooped, with enough treble and presence to cut through, and only subtle reverb added in post for space.