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Ziggy Stardust (2012 Remaster) — David Bowie1 / 2
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Ziggy Stardust (2012 Remaster) Guitar Tone Settings — David Bowie

David Bowie · 1970s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom (early 1970s, likely 1968 model, used by Mick Ronson)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely original PAF-style or T-Top humbuckers)
Amp
Marshall Major 200W head with matching Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1971-1972, Trident Studios, London. Gear confirmed for Ziggy Stardust era and specifically used by Mick Ronson for the main riff section. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this part.

Amp Settings

Mids
7
Bass
6
Gain
6
Reverb
2
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1 · fuzz
  • Vox Cry Baby Wah (fixed/cocked position) · wah

Guitar → Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1 → Vox Cry Baby Wah (fixed/cocked) → Marshall Major 200W head (with light spring reverb) → Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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Tone Character

  • thick and punchy
  • British crunch
  • mid-forward
  • warm but articulate
  • tight, percussive attack
  • singing sustain
  • classic glam rock edge
  • slightly compressed
  • distinct note separation
  • not overly saturated

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp knob settings for 'Ziggy Stardust' riff found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Marshall Major usage for Mick Ronson in this era and genre.
  • ⚠️Pedal settings not available; pedal models confirmed from multiple sources.
  • ⚠️No evidence of modulation, delay, or time-based effects on the riff section; fuzz and cocked-wah are the only effects confirmed.
  • ⚠️If alternate gear or settings are found in future primary sources, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mick Ronson's Ziggy-era Les Paul into a cranked Marshall (likely a 100w Super Lead) yields a classic British crunch: mid-forward, with moderate gain, tight but warm lows, and a present but not harsh top end. The production is dry with just a hint of room ambience, typical of early '70s glam rock.

Sources