Master of puppets amp settings — Zoom G1X Four
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Zoom G1X Four with a Sqoe Seib 500. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main Lead Solos
Jackson Flying V with EMG 81 / Gibson Flying V -> Dunlop Cry Baby Wah -> Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer -> Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ head into Marshall 4x12 cab (G12T-75s)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Dunlop Cry Baby (Zoom 'Wah' / 'BlackWah' block)
Assign expression pedal to sweep for Kirk's solo flourishes
02TS9 Tube Screamer (Zoom 'TS Drive' block)
Used as a clean mid-boost tightening the front of the amp model
03Graphic EQ (Zoom 'GEQ' block in post-amp)
Subtle V-curve after the amp block to mimic Mesa graphic EQ
The Zoom G1X Four's BG LEAD amp block accurately captures the Mark IIC+ lead voicing; pairing it with the TS Drive block as a pre-gain booster tightens attack and gives Kirk's searing lead sustain. The Sqoe Seib 500's passive bridge humbucker has plenty of bite, so mids are kept slightly higher (6 on amp, subtle post-EQ scoop) to maintain vocal cut rather than rhythm scooping. Keep the onboard reverb dry as the album solo relies purely on tight room acoustics and fast wah articulation.
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