Solo Tone

Hysteria

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson Soloist (custom, Phil Collen signature, used for solos on Hysteria album)

AmpScholz Rockman X100 headphone amp (used as preamp/amp simulator for recording, direct to desk)

PickupsJackson J-50BC humbucker (bridge position, stock on Collen's Soloist at the time)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb4.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

otherScholz Scholz Rockman X100

chorusScholz Chorus effect (Rockman built-in)

delayUnknown Delay effect (Rockman built-in or studio rack)

compressionScholz Compression (Rockman built-in)

Notes

Studio recording, 1987. The Hysteria album was recorded almost entirely with the Scholz Rockman X100 for guitar tones, especially for solos. No traditional amps or pedalboards were used, but heavy use of rack and outboard effects in the studio. Phil Collen played most solos on his Jackson Soloist with bridge humbucker. Effects were added via the Rockman and studio rack units. No live rig or Marshall/ADA/Fractal was used for the original recording.

Tone Character(10)

smooth and compressedsinging sustainbright and articulatepolished and processedlush chorus modulationclear digital delay repeatstight low endslightly scooped midsstudio sheennot harsh, but present

Difficulty

The solo is moderately challenging due to its melodic phrasing, use of bends and vibrato, and the need to play smoothly with heavy effects. It is not technically extreme but requires control and feel.

Sources

Def Leppard – Hysteria - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Recommend amp for def leppard photograph live tone What pedals to get Def Leppard sound? : r/guitarpedals Def Leppard (specifically Steve Clark) tone from earlier ...

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