Master of puppets amp settings — Randall Diavlo 100 watt
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Randall Diavlo 100 watt with a Dean ML79. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — main rhythm riff
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 power section, Jackson King V with high-output humbuckers, Mesa 5-band Graphic EQ set to classic V-curve
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Tightening boost in front of the amp input to cut sub-bass flub and sharpen downpicked palm mutes
02Boss GE-7 Equalizer
(FX loop) Recreates the iconic post-preamp Mesa 5-band graphic EQ V-curve scoop
The Randall Diavlo provides thick modern high-gain, but the signature Master of Puppets bite requires post-gain equalization. Using the Boss GE-7 in the FX loop replicates the Mark IIC+ graphic EQ by drastically scooping 800Hz while boosting low-end punch and presence sparkle. The TS9 runs out front purely as a clean boost to tighten up the Dean ML79's humbuckers for razor-sharp palm muting. Clean interlude: switch to the clean channel, bypass both pedals.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Randall Diavlo 100 watt. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, 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.