GuitarDistortedSolo
Wanted Dead or Alive Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (late '50s/early '60s, likely 1959 or 1960, as referenced in interviews and rig rundowns for the era)
Pickups
Gibson PAF humbuckers
Amp
Marshall JCM 800 head (studio recording, 1986)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Slippery When Wet' (1986). Richie Sambora used a late '50s/early '60s Gibson Les Paul Standard with PAF humbuckers into a Marshall JCM 800 head for the solo. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for the solo section. Effects are based on both source mentions and clear audio evidence.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb3
Treble7
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
Gibson Les Paul Standard → Delay pedal (model unknown) → Marshall JCM 800 head (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- mid-gain British crunch
- smooth, vocal-like lead tone
- touch-sensitive dynamics
- slightly scooped but present mids
- clear note separation
- warm, harmonically rich
- classic rock solo character
- not overly saturated
- distinct delay repeats audible