Master of Puppets amp settings — Bugera Trirec
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Bugera Trirec with a Ibanez RGRT420-WK. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp slaved into modified Marshall JCM800 100W power amp, Gibson Explorer / Jackson King V with EMG 81 (bridge), Aphex/BB parametric EQ in effects loop, 5-band graphic EQ with V-shaped curve
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01MXR Ten Band EQ
FX loop — V-shape curve is essential: boost lows and highs, scoop 500Hz-1kHz. This replicates the studio parametric EQ Hetfield used.
The Bugera Trirec's Ch2 FET mode is voiced similarly to the Mark IIC+ — tight, aggressive, modern high-gain with strong midrange control. The original tone was deeply mid-scooped via external EQ, so mid stays at 3 and your MXR Ten Band handles the V-curve in the loop. Gain at 7 matches the Mark IIC+'s saturation level without excessive fizz. The recording was bone-dry — reverb stays at 0.
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These settings are for a Bugera Trirec. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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