GuitarDistortedRiff
The Final Countdown Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Europe
Europe · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Stratocaster 1985 Japan Reissue 1972
Pickups
Fender single-coil (stock 1985 Japan Reissue Strat pickups)
Amp
Marshall JCM800
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1986. John Norum used a Fender Stratocaster 1985 Japan Reissue 1972 through a Marshall JCM800 for the riff section of 'The Final Countdown'. Boss OD-1 OverDrive was used for additional gain. No evidence of modulation or time-based effects in the riff section. Norum is noted for using minimal effects and keeping the sound organic. Settings are estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage in 1980s hard rock and Norum's own advice to 'turn down the gain'.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Boss OD-1 OverDrive · overdrive
Fender Stratocaster → Boss OD-1 OverDrive → Marshall JCM800 (with light spring reverb)
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.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and punchy
- clear note separation
- moderate sustain
- British amp crunch
- articulate attack
- not overly compressed
- slightly bright top end
- full-bodied mids
- organic, unprocessed feel
- minimal effects coloration