Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Peavey 6505

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Peavey 6505 with a Jackson Kelly js32. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp slaved into Marshall JCM800 power amp), Aphex EQF-1/Boss GE-7 in loop (V-scoop), Jackson King V ('Kill Bon Jovi') with EMG 81

Ultra-tight, aggressive high-gain thrash crunch with a sculpted V-curve midrange scoop and dry attack

Amp settings — Peavey 6505

CHANNELLead Channel (Resonance: 6)BRIGHToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	6
Mid	3
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	4

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The 6505 Lead Channel has massive native low-end and high-gain saturation compared to a Mark IIC+, so pre-gain is pulled back to 6 to keep palm-mutes tight rather than mushy. Mids are dialed to 3 to emulate the iconic Mark IIC+ graphic EQ V-curve scoop without losing pick attack cut. Keep the amp's Resonance control around 6 for bottom-end thump and leave reverb at 0 for an ultra-dry attack.

PRO TIPLock your wrist close to the bridge saddle and play all rhythm riffs with strict, aggressive downpicking to achieve the punchy percussive transient authentic to James Hetfield's tracking style.

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These settings are for a Peavey 6505. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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