Riff Tone

Starman (2012 Remaster)

David Bowie

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (early 1970s, likely 1971-72, Mick Ronson's main guitar for Ziggy Stardust era)

AmpMarshall 100W Super Lead (Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, as used by Mick Ronson in studio for Ziggy Stardust sessions)

PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or early PAF-style, stock on early 70s Les Paul Custom)

Amp Settings

gain5.5

bass6

mid7

treble7

reverb2.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1971-1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster). Mick Ronson played the main riff section with his Les Paul Custom into a Marshall Super Lead, no confirmed pedals in the chain for the riff. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.

Tone Character(10)

British crunch with rich midrangeClassic glam rock biteFull-bodied, singing sustainPunchy, articulate attackSlightly compressed, focused soundVintage Marshall overdrive characterWarm yet bright upper midsDefined, tight low endClear note separationNo excessive fuzz or modern high-gain saturation

Difficulty

The riff requires tight rhythmic playing and dynamic control to maintain clarity and punch with a crunchy overdriven tone, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast passages.

Sources

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster)

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