GuitarDistortedRiff
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