Tone library / Metallica / Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets amp settings — Peavey Vypyr 30

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Peavey Vypyr 30 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main rhythm track

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp (slaved to Marshall JCM800 2203 power section) with graphic EQ V-curve, Gibson Explorer/Jackson King V with high-output humbuckers

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

Amp settings — Peavey Vypyr 30

CHANNEL6505 Red (High Gain)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	8
Mid	2
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	4

Don’t have a Peavey Vypyr 30? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Peavey Vypyr 30 models the 6505 Red channel, which provides the modern high-gain saturation required for 1980s thrash without external pedals. The original Mesa Mark IIC+ tone relies heavily on the post-gain 5-band graphic EQ 'V-curve', simulated here by dropping the midrange to 2 while keeping bass and treble prominent. Because the Vypyr 30 does not feature a dedicated physical presence knob, presence is left null.

PRO TIPStrict all-downstroke palm-muting right at the bridge saddle is essential to achieve the tight, percussive attack of Hetfield's rhythm sound.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Peavey Vypyr 30. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

Get ToneAdapt on Google Play

Find your amp

Browse

Master of Puppets on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP Metallica tonesALL SONGS Ibanez GIO GRG170DX tonesSAME GUITAR Tone libraryEVERYTHING

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.