Master of puppets amp settings — Shark Reverb 25
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Shark Reverb 25 with a PyleUSA Burning Fire. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet, 1984 Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 active humbucker (bridge)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Metal Zone (MT-2) or similar high-gain distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. A Boss MT-2, Joyo Metal Zone clone, or any tight high-gain distortion pedal is essential. The Shark Reverb 25 cannot reach thrash saturation on its own. With a distortion pedal, set amp gain to 2-3 and let the pedal drive.
The Shark Reverb 25 is an unrecognized budget solid-state amp unlikely to reach Mark IIC+ saturation at any gain setting. I've maxed usable gain at 8 and scooped mids to 3 to approximate the thrash EQ curve, but real results require an external high-gain pedal—then drop amp gain to 2-3 and use the pedal as your dirt source. The PyleUSA Burning Fire's passive humbuckers have lower output than Hetfield's active EMGs, so treble stays high to retain cut.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Shark Reverb 25. 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.