Master of Puppets amp settings — Katana Mini X
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Katana Mini X with a Fazley FST118 SUNBURST. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986)
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) → Marshall JCM800 (power amp), Jackson King V with Seymour Duncan Invaders, no pedals — tone shaped by amp's 5-band graphic EQ in V-curve
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 2 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 0 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Boss GE-7 Equalizer
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This V-shaped EQ is essential to the Master of Puppets tone. Run it in front of the amp since the Katana Mini X has no FX loop. Without this pedal, you will get approximation but not the iconic scoop.
The Katana Mini X lacks a graphic EQ and FX loop, so the mid-scoop must be aggressive on the amp itself — mid dropped to 2 vs the original's moderate 3-4 panel setting because the amp's Brown channel has inherent midrange that needs cutting. Bass raised to 7 to compensate for the Fazley's single-coil-style pickups lacking the low-end thump of Hetfield's humbuckers. The Katana's Brown voice is the closest to a hot-rodded Marshall power section. Presence set to 0 because the Mini X runs bright and the small speaker accentuates fizz.
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These settings are for a Katana Mini X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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