Solo Tone
Starman (2012 Remaster)
David Bowie
Guitarrock1970s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1972, Mick Ronson's main guitar for Ziggy Stardust sessions)
AmpMarshall 100W Super Lead (Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, as used by Mick Ronson in studio)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or PAF-style, stock on early 70s Les Paul Custom)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1972. Solo played by Mick Ronson. Gear confirmed for Ziggy Stardust album sessions, which includes 'Starman'. No evidence of pedal use for the solo, but amp overdrive and spring reverb likely. 2012 Remaster is from original 1972 recording.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainclassic British crunchmidrange-forward lead tonesmooth overdriveslightly compressed attackvocal-like phrasingarticulate single-note linestouch-sensitive dynamicswarm yet cuttingamp-driven breakup
Difficulty
The solo requires expressive phrasing, accurate bends, and dynamic control, but is not extremely fast or technically complex. The challenge lies in melodic articulation and sustaining notes with feel.
Sources
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Original Gear
GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (1972, Mick Ronson's main guitar for Ziggy Stardust sessions)
AmpMarshall 100W Super Lead (Plexi, late 60s/early 70s, as used by Mick Ronson in studio)
PickupsGibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or PAF-style, stock on early 70s Les Paul Custom)
Amp Settings
gain5.5
bass6
mid7
treble7
reverb3
presence5.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1972. Solo played by Mick Ronson. Gear confirmed for Ziggy Stardust album sessions, which includes 'Starman'. No evidence of pedal use for the solo, but amp overdrive and spring reverb likely. 2012 Remaster is from original 1972 recording.
Tone Character(10)
singing sustainclassic British crunchmidrange-forward lead tonesmooth overdriveslightly compressed attackvocal-like phrasingarticulate single-note linestouch-sensitive dynamicswarm yet cuttingamp-driven breakup
Difficulty
The solo requires expressive phrasing, accurate bends, and dynamic control, but is not extremely fast or technically complex. The challenge lies in melodic articulation and sustaining notes with feel.
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