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Enter Sandman amp settings — Boss Katana 100 gen3

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 100 gen3 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Metallica (The Black Album) (1991)

Original rig

ESP MX-220 with EMG 81 bridge pickup → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++/Mark IV → Marshall 4x12 cabinet

Tight, scooped, percussive high-gain rhythm with punchy low end and controlled bite

Amp settings — Boss Katana 100 gen3

CHANNELBrownBRIGHToffBOOSTon

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	7
Mid	3
Treble	6
Presence	5
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Your GRG170DX has passive Infinity humbuckers with lower output than Hetfield's hot EMG 81s, so gain is pushed to 8 and the Brown channel's boost is engaged to compensate for the output difference. Mid is scooped to 3 to replicate the Mark IV's signature scoop, while bass is raised to 7 (vs the original's tighter 5-6) because the Katana's Brown voicing doesn't have the same low-end thump as a real Mesa. Tone knob rolled to 8 to tame the Infinity pickup's slightly harsh treble peaks.

PRO TIPPalm mute directly over the bridge pickup pole pieces, not near the bridge saddles — this is where Hetfield gets that tight, percussive 'chunk' without the low end becoming flabby.

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These settings are for a Boss Katana 100 gen3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, 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.