Seek and destroy amp settings — Blackstar HT5R MkII
The Metálica guitar tone for “Seek and destroy”, dialed in for a Blackstar HT5R MkII with a ESP LTD JH-600 James Hetfield. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983)
Gibson Flying V (white) with stock humbuckers → Hot-rodded Marshall head (high treble input, cascading gain mod)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
The Blackstar HT5R's ISF should be set fully clockwise (British/Marshall voicing) to match the original Marshall character. I pulled treble back 1 point from the original's bright setting because the HT5R's EL84 power section is already chimey in the highs. The JH-600's EMG 81 is hotter than Hetfield's passive Flying V pickups were in '83, so gain sits at 8 rather than maxed to avoid mud.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Blackstar HT5R MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.