Tone library / Megadeth / Promises

Promises amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII

The Megadeth guitar tone for “Promises”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Gibson Les Paul Classic. Studio cut, The World Needs a Hero (2001) — electric solo and heavy rhythm sections

Original rig

Dave Mustaine & Al Pitrelli: Marshall JCM800/JMP / Custom Audio Electronics 3+ SE preamp into VHT power amps, Jackson Y2KV / Gibson Les Paul with Seymour Duncan JB pickups

Mid-forward, polished melodic hard rock lead and heavy chorus crunch
Amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
CHANNELLead amp typeBOOSToff
GAIN 6 BASS 5 MID 7 TREBLE 6 REVERB 4 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain6
Bass5
Mid7
Treble6
Reverb4
Master5
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Katana Built-In Digital Delay

Engage onboard delay block for the melodic lead breaks

Time 5 · Feedback 4 · Level 3
Why these settings

The Katana 50 MkII lacks a dedicated physical presence knob, so it is set to null. Using the Lead amp type captures the smooth, saturated British high-gain character of Pitrelli and Mustaine's CAE/Marshall rigs on this power ballad. Your Les Paul Classic humbuckers match the punch of the original Seymour Duncan JB pickups, requiring mid-focused EQ and moderate gain to maintain articulation.

PRO TIPFor Al Pitrelli's expressive lead lines, use wide, measured vibrato and pick firmly near the bridge pickup to emphasize upper-mid harmonic overtones.

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These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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