Master of Puppets amp settings — Fender Champion 20
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Fender Champion 20 with a Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main iconic rhythm track
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ slaved into Marshall JCM800 power amp, Gibson Explorer / Jackson King V with high-output humbuckers
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 8 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01ProCo Rat 2 or Boss MT-2 Metal Zone
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; to use, switch amp to Voice 1 Clean and drop amp gain to 2
The Fender Champion 20 lacks a dedicated mid knob, so the iconic Mesa Mark IIC+ 'V-curve' scoop is achieved by boosting bass to 8 and treble to 7 while using the high-gain Metal voice. Single-coil Strat pickups are brighter and lower output than Hetfield's humbuckers, so rolling treble back slightly prevents thin fizziness while pushing gain compensates for lower pickup output. The track is bone-dry rhythm, so onboard FX and reverb must remain fully off.
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These settings are for a Fender Champion 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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