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Wanted Dead or Alive Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ovation 1657 Anniversary Acoustic-Electric (12-string, piezo pickup, used for clean intro/riff)
Pickups
Ovation piezo under-saddle pickup (factory stock, 1986 model)
Amp
Direct to mixing console (studio), likely with added rack reverb; no evidence of traditional guitar amp used for clean riff section
Pickup Position
Piezo under-saddle (Ovation 12-string, no selector)
Studio recording, 1986; clean intro/riff tracked with Ovation 12-string acoustic-electric direct to board, not through a guitar amp. No evidence of pedals or amp-based effects for the clean riff. Electric parts later in song use Les Paul/Strat and amps, but NOT for clean intro/riff.
Amp Settings
Mids6
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb4.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- crisp and shimmering
- bright and articulate
- lush stereo spread
- natural acoustic resonance
- clean, uncompressed attack
- subtle reverb tail
- distinct 12-string chime
- percussive strumming
- airy and open
- studio-polished clarity
Notes & Caveats
- Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
- No explicit amp or pedal settings found for the clean riff; all evidence and audio confirm direct acoustic-electric (Ovation 12-string) into the board.
- Settings estimated based on typical direct acoustic-electric studio practice and genre/era.
- No pedals or amp-based effects are audible or cited for the clean riff section.
- Electric guitar and amp/pedal gear are used for the solo/chorus, NOT for the clean riff/intro.
- If using a modern amp to replicate, use a clean channel with minimal coloration and add studio-style plate or hall reverb.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The riff tone on 'Wanted Dead or Alive' is classic 80s rock crunch: moderate gain for clarity, with warm mids and balanced bass/treble. Sambora favored Marshalls with mid-forward settings, and the production uses subtle reverb for space without washing out the acoustic/electric blend.