Enter Sandman amp settings — Harley Benton HB-20B
The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a Harley Benton HB-20B with a Ibanez GRG131DX-BKF. Studio version, Metallica 'Black Album' (1991) — James Hetfield's rhythm tone
ESP MX-250 with EMG 81 bridge pickup → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (high gain, scooped mids) → Mesa 4x12 with Celestion V30s
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 0 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss MT-2 Metal Zone or similar high-gain distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. The HB-20B's overdrive channel lacks the tight, aggressive saturation of a Mesa Mark series. A dedicated metal distortion pedal is essential to reach this tone. If using a pedal, set amp to CLEAN channel with gain at 2.
The HB-20B is a budget 20W practice amp with limited gain and a darker voicing than the Mesa IIC++. The Mesa's tight low-end and searing high-gain saturation cannot be replicated by the HB-20B's overdrive alone — you will get a mushy, undefined distortion. Treble pushed to 7 compensates for the amp's darker character vs the Mesa's aggressive top-end. Mid scooped to 3 replicates the Black Album's signature cut around 700-800Hz. Without a high-gain pedal, expect 40% of the original tone's tightness and aggression.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Harley Benton HB-20B. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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