Master of Puppets amp settings — Marshall G30R CD
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Marshall G30R CD with a Harley Benton ST-20-WH Standard. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — main rhythm riff
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ slaved into Marshall JCM800 power amp / 4x12 cabs, 5-band graphic EQ set in classic V-curve, Gibson Flying V / Explorer loaded with active EMG 81 pickups
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 8 |
| Mid | 2 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer
In front of amp to simulate the compressed, immediate percussive transient of active EMG pickups
02Jim Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
Bypassed for rhythm riff
03Behringer FX600
Bypassed for rhythm riff
The solid-state Marshall G30R CD has naturally prominent British mids, so drop the Mid knob down to 2 to replicate the Mark IIC+ graphic EQ scoop. Because the Harley Benton ST-20 has passive single coils rather than Hetfield's hot active EMG 81 humbuckers, push the Gain to 8 and use the CS-3 with low sustain and fast attack to add output compression and tighten the low-end palm mutes. Clean interlude: switch to the Clean channel and engage the Behringer FX600 on the Chorus setting.
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These settings are for a Marshall G30R CD. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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