Master of Puppets amp settings — Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - main rhythm track
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp slaved into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp, Aphex parametric EQ, Marshall 4x12 cab, Jackson King V with high-output bridge pickup
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01High-Gain Distortion (e.g. Boss MT-2 Metal Zone or MXR Fullbore Metal)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned (required to achieve thrash high-gain on a Deluxe Reverb)
The Tone Master Deluxe Reverb has a classic Fender 2-band EQ panel (Volume, Treble, Bass) without a physical Middle or Presence knob, and cannot produce high-gain thrash saturation on its own. A dedicated metal distortion pedal with parametric mid-scooping is required to supply the Mark IIC+ high gain into the Deluxe Reverb's clean Normal channel. If playing without pedals, maxing amp volume will only yield vintage power-tube overdrive rather than the tight, surgical crunch of the original recording.
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These settings are for a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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