GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Shock Me Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Kiss
Kiss · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, likely 1973-1974 model, three-pickup configuration)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge position, humbucker)
Amp
Marshall Super Lead 100-watt (Plexi, likely model 1959, dimed)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1977, for the album 'Love Gun'. Ace Frehley states he used the bridge pickup and ran straight into a dimed Marshall stack with no pedals for the solo. No pedalboard or effects were used due to his dislike of tripping over pedals on stage. All tone is from guitar and amp. No evidence of effects loop or studio effects on the solo.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- aggressive bridge pickup bite
- harmonically rich distortion
- crunchy and spunky
- tight and percussive attack
- slightly nasal upper mids
- clear note separation
- classic British crunch
- no added effects coloration
- responsive to picking dynamics
Notes & Caveats
- No numeric amp knob settings found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Marshall Plexi usage in 1970s classic rock and Ace Frehley's statement that the amp was 'dimed'.
- No evidence of any pedals or effects used on the studio solo; Ace Frehley explicitly states he did not use pedals for this recording.
- No evidence of amp reverb or other built-in effects; Marshall Plexi does not have built-in reverb.
- Pickup and amp model inferred from multiple interviews and era-correct gear, but not directly confirmed for this specific session.
- If any subtle studio reverb or EQ was added in mixing, it is not part of the guitarist's effects chain and is not included.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Ace Frehley's 'Shock Me' solo tone is classic late-70s hard rock: crunchy but not high-gain, with pronounced mids and a balanced EQ typical of a cranked Marshall. The presence and reverb are moderate, reflecting the production style and amp voicing of the era.