Tone library / Metallica / Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets amp settings — Harley benton Hb 40mfx

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Harley benton Hb 40mfx with a Stedman pro Les paul. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986)

Original rig

1984 Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 (bridge) into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head through Marshall 4x12 cabinet. No pedals — all gain from amp. Quad-tracked rhythms.

Massive scooped thrash rhythm — huge low end, cutting treble, deeply scooped mids. Tight palm-muted downstrokes with aggressive pick attack.

Amp settings — Harley benton Hb 40mfx

CHANNELOD2 (high-gain channel)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	7
Mid	2
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The HB-40MFX is a solid-state modeling amp with no presence control — set to null. The OD2 channel is the highest-gain voice available. The Mark IIC+ scoop was mid at 3-4 on a tube amp with different EQ centers; this solid-state amp's mid control is more linear, so mid 2 gets the V-shape without disappearing entirely. Bass dropped from 8 to 7 because small combo speakers get flubby with excessive low end. Your Les Paul's humbuckers are passive and warmer than Hetfield's active EMG 81, so treble stays at 7 to maintain bite.

PRO TIPDownpick everything — no alternate picking on the riff. Hetfield's right-hand attack is half the tone. Palm mute right at the bridge saddles, not further back, for maximum tightness and chunk.

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These settings are for a Harley benton Hb 40mfx. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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