GuitarDistortedRiff
Wasted Years (2015 Remaster) Guitar Tone Settings — Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Charvel San Dimas (black, single bridge humbucker, Floyd Rose)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge humbucker)
Amp
Gallien-Krueger 250ML
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1986. Adrian Smith played the main riff on a Charvel San Dimas with a DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup into a Gallien-Krueger 250ML solid-state amp. This is confirmed by multiple sources for the 'Somewhere in Time' album, which is the original recording for 'Wasted Years'. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; all drive comes from the amp. No effects loop or additional rack effects confirmed for the riff.
Amp Settings
Mids7
Bass5.5
Gain7
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- bright and articulate
- high-gain saturation
- clear note separation
- aggressive palm muting
- metallic edge
- compressed midrange
- focused attack
- minimal ambience
- cutting rhythm tone