GuitarCleanRiff
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