Riff Tone

Rock of Ages

Def Leppard

Guitarrock1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (Steve Clark) and Hamer Standard/Jackson Superstrat (Phil Collen)

AmpRockman X100 headphone amp (studio recording, direct-in), with possible Marshall JCM800 2203 and various cabs for layering

PickupsHumbuckers (likely Gibson PAF-style for Les Paul, DiMarzio Super Distortion or Jackson stock for Superstrat)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationScholz Research & Development Rockman X100 (built-in chorus, compression, distortion)

Notes

Studio recording, 1982 (Pyromania sessions). The main riff tone is widely documented as being achieved with the Rockman X100, which was used direct to the board for the signature compressed, chorus-laden sound. Marshall JCM800s and other amps were used for layering, but the Rockman is the core sound for the riff. No evidence of pedals in front of the Rockman for the main riff. Effects are mostly from the Rockman unit and studio processing.

Tone Character(10)

tight, compressed rhythm crunchchorus-laden stereo spreadbright, cutting attackhighly processed, polished distortiontight palm-muted chugsarticulate, percussive riffingsustained power chordsstudio multi-tracked layersdistinctive 80s arena rock sheenminimal amp room ambience

Difficulty

The riff is rhythmically tight and requires precise palm muting and timing, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

Phil Collen talks Def Leppard's orchestral maneuvers ...Def Leppard Members, Gear & Sound “I thought I'd make the notes count, like Jeff Beck. It doesn't ...Def Leppard Hysteria = ROCKMAN

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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