Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ with a Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main iconic rhythm track

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp with classic V-curve 5-band graphic EQ) slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 power amp + Marshall 4x12 cab, Jackson King V / Gibson Explorer with high-output humbuckers

Aggressive, tight, high-gain thrash rhythm with deeply scooped mids and punchy low-end

Amp settings — Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+

CHANNELLead (Lead Drive pulled)BRIGHToffBOOSTon

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	3
Mid	4
Treble	7
Presence	3
Reverb	0
Master	4

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

On the Mark IIC+, keep the rotary bass control low around 2-3 to avoid muddy flub before the distortion stages, relying on the onboard 5-band Graphic EQ set to the classic 'V-shape' (boost 80Hz and 6.6kHz, deeply scoop 750Hz). The DiMarzio Evolution bridge pickup on the JEM7V is tight and high-output, pairing naturally with the Lead Drive to deliver instant attack without an external boost. Keep the rotary Mid around 4 and Treble at 7 to feed the saturation stage before the graphic EQ sculpts the final scooped profile.

PRO TIPEngage the onboard 5-band graphic EQ in a hard V-curve: 80Hz (+5dB), 240Hz (+2dB), 750Hz (dropped to the bottom line), 2200Hz (+2dB), and 6600Hz (+4dB). Strict downpicking at the bridge is critical to lock in the percussive, mechanical chug.

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These settings are for a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.