Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Blackstar ID V4

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID V4 with a Cort KX100. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) slaved into modified Marshall JCM800 (power amp), Gibson Explorer / Jackson King V with EMG 81 (bridge), parametric EQ in effects loop with V-shaped curve, no pedals on rhythm tracks

Aggressive scooped thrash rhythm with tight low-end thump, deeply cut mids, and searing upper-mid presence — raw, dry, punishing downpicked attack

Amp settings — Blackstar ID V4

CHANNELOD2BOOSTon

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

Don’t have a Blackstar ID V4? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Boss GE-7 Equalizer

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Run in FX loop. This V-curve EQ is THE defining element of the MOP tone — without it you cannot replicate the scooped-yet-aggressive character. Boost lows and highs, cut 400-800Hz hard.

100Hz 7 · 200Hz 3 · 400Hz 2 · 800Hz 2 · 1.6kHz 5 · 3.2kHz 7 · 6.4kHz 7 · Level 5

Why these settings

The ID:Core V4's OD2 channel is your highest-gain voice and gets close to the Mark IIC+'s saturation. ISF should be set fully counter-clockwise (American/tighter) to approximate the Mesa's tight low-end response vs British sag. Mid at 3 is already low — the original's graphic EQ scooped 750Hz even deeper, which is why the GE-7 recommendation is critical. Without it, push mid down to 2 and accept a less dramatic scoop.

PRO TIPThe MOP tone is 50% gear and 50% Hetfield's relentless all-downstroke picking at 200+ BPM with extremely tight palm muting — each muted note should feel like a punch. Practice the right hand as hard as you dial the amp; no setting compensates for alternate picking on these riffs.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Blackstar ID V4. 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.