For Whom the Bell Tolls amp settings — Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108
The Metallica guitar tone for “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, dialed in for a Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 with a Music Man StingRay Ray5. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984) - Intro lead bass riff
Modified Rickenbacker 4001 / Aria Pro II SB-1000 into Morley Power Wah Boost, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, and Mesa Boogie D-180 head with Mesa 4x12 and 1x15 cabs
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 8 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Master | 6 |
01Behringer BOD400 Bass Overdrive
Owned dirt pedal acting as main gain source; SGT circuit on amp remains off to prevent muddy double-distortion
03Morley Power Wah Boost
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; park halfway open for the intro's vocal lead bite
The RB-108 has an 8-inch speaker and a 3-band EQ, so mid is pushed to 8 and bass trimmed to 4 to prevent low-end flub while capturing Cliff's mid-forward snarl. With your active StingRay pickup running hot into the BOD400, keep the pedal's Bal knob at 8 to push aggressive overdrive while preserving just enough clean fundamental. Leave the RB-108's Super Grit Technology (SGT) drive switch disengaged to honor the double-gain rule and keep the pedal's fuzz-style breakup articulate. For the clean backing bass under the verses, bypass the BOD400.
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These settings are for a Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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