GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids7
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6
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