Master of Puppets amp settings — Fender Deluxe Reverb
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Fender Deluxe Reverb with a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — Main iconic rhythm track
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (V-curve 5-band EQ) into Marshall JCM800 power amp, Gibson Explorer / Jackson King V with active/high-output humbuckers
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01Line 6 Helix LT (Scream 808 Block)
In front of amp model to tighten low-end attack
02Line 6 Helix LT (Cali IV Lead Amp Model)
Mesa Mark IV/IIC+ model; use 4x12 Cali V30 Cab
03Line 6 Helix LT (Parametric EQ Block)
Post-amp V-curve scoop: cut 750Hz-800Hz by 5-6dB
The high-gain Mesa crunch is fully generated inside the Helix LT using the Cali IV Lead model, so the Fender Deluxe Reverb is dialed completely clean and flat as a neutral monitor. To compensate for your Stratocaster's lower-output single coils compared to Hetfield's humbuckers, the Scream 808 boost pushes input level while the Helix EQ pulls the classic Mark IIC+ mid scoop. Clean interlude: switch to bridge+neck position and bypass the Scream 808 block.
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These settings are for a Fender Deluxe Reverb. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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