Master of Puppets amp settings — harley benton HB-15GXD JamBox
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a harley benton HB-15GXD JamBox with a harley benton standard series. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986), E♭ Standard tuning
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp → Marshall JCM800 100W power section, Jackson King V 'Kill Bon Jovi' with EMG 81 (bridge), quad-tracked rhythms
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss GE-7 Equalizer (or similar graphic EQ)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This V-shaped EQ curve is essential to the Mark IIC+ thrash sound. Run in front of amp input. Without this pedal, the HB-15GXD cannot fully replicate the iconic mid-scoop.
The HB-15GXD is a budget solid-state practice amp with limited gain saturation compared to the Mark IIC+/JCM800 hybrid rig. Gain is maxed at 8 to extract every bit of available crunch. Mid is dropped to 3 (vs original's 3-4) because small solid-state amps tend to have honkier, more prominent mids that need cutting harder to achieve the scooped thrash voicing. Treble and bass are pushed to create the V-curve the Mark IIC+'s graphic EQ provided. Without an external EQ pedal, you will get an approximation—tight and aggressive, but lacking the surgical mid-scoop definition of the original.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a harley benton HB-15GXD JamBox. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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