Solo Tone

Trial By Fire

Journey

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarPRS Custom 24 (likely 1990s model, as used by Neal Schon in this era)

AmpBlackstar Series One 100 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

PickupsPRS HFS Treble (bridge) and Vintage Bass (neck) humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveStewMac StewMac Two Kings Boost Dual Overdrive

delayUnknown RD-1 Pitch Delay

phaserUnknown Lightcycle Phasor II

Notes

Studio recording, 1996. Gear based on Neal Schon's documented studio/live rig for the 'Trial By Fire' album era. No direct studio session notes found, but Blackstar Series One 100 and PRS Custom 24 are confirmed as his main setup in this period. Effects are inferred from both rig rundowns and audible characteristics in the solo.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainsmooth lead tonerich midrange presenceclear note separationtouch-sensitive dynamicswarm yet articulatemoderate gain saturationfluid legato linesslight delay ambiencesubtle reverb tail

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and fluid legato technique, demanding both technical proficiency and dynamic control.

Sources

Rig Rundown - Journey's Neal Schon - Premier Guitar Rig Rundown: Journey's Neal Schon (2014) - Premier Guitar Neal Schon's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard

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