GuitarDistortedRiff72% confidence
Starman (2012 Remaster) Riff Guitar Tone Settings — David Bowie
David Bowie · 1970s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (early 1970s, likely 1971-72, Mick Ronson's main guitar for Ziggy Stardust era)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or early PAF-style, stock on early 70s Les Paul Custom)
Amp
Marshall 100W Super Lead (Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, as used by Mick Ronson in studio for Ziggy Stardust sessions)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1971-1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster). Mick Ronson played the main riff section with his Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Super Lead, no confirmed pedals in the chain for the riff. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain5.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- British crunch with rich midrange
- Classic glam rock bite
- Full-bodied, singing sustain
- Punchy, articulate attack
- Slightly compressed, focused sound
- Vintage Marshall overdrive character
- Warm yet bright upper mids
- Defined, tight low end
- Clear note separation
- No excessive fuzz or modern high-gain saturation
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Starman' riff; values estimated based on typical Marshall Super Lead settings for classic rock in early 70s and Mick Ronson's known rig.
- No evidence of pedals used on the riff section; Mick Ronson was known for plugging straight into the amp for rhythm parts.
- No explicit pickup selector position found, but bridge pickup is standard for this tone and era.
- No explicit mention of amp reverb, but a small amount is likely from studio or amp; value set low.
- Pedal/effects info is inferred from lack of audible modulation/time-based effects in the riff section and historical rig data.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Starman' riff has a classic early-70s British rock tone: edge-of-breakup with clear note definition, forward mids, and moderate bass. Mick Ronson likely used a cranked vintage amp (like a Hiwatt or Marshall), with moderate reverb from the studio plate, resulting in a punchy, mid-rich sound with just enough gain for grit.