Livin' On a Prayer amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Bon Jovi guitar tone for “Livin' On a Prayer”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Slippery When Wet (1986) — signature intro riff and talk box section
Marshall JCM800 2203/2204, Kramer/Charvel custom Strat with bridge humbucker, Boss OD-1 OverDrive, Heil Talk Box
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 6 |
01Heil Talk Box / Dunlop HT1
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for the signature vocal 'wah' intro sound
02Boss OD-1 / SD-1 Super Overdrive
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; tightens the low-end boost into the Marshall front end
The Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 lacks a physical Mid knob and Presence control, so rotate the ISF control fully clockwise (10) to shift the EQ curve toward a mid-forward British Marshall JCM800 bite. Setting the voice to OD1 with Gain at 7 delivers the required 1980s saturation straight from the amp without needing external pedals. A touch of the onboard Hall reverb expands the soundstage to match the stadium-production sheen on Slippery When Wet.
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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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