Nothing else matters amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Metallica guitar tone for “Nothing else matters”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Epiphone Les Paul Classic. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album), 1991
Tom Anderson ProAM Strat (single coils) → MXR DynaComp → Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (built-in stereo chorus). Dual signal: JC-120 + direct DI blended.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 5 |
Your Les Paul's humbuckers are darker and hotter than the original's single coils, so I dropped treble by 1 and kept gain very low (2) to preserve clarity. Set ISF fully counter-clockwise (American voicing) to approximate the JC-120's scooped, hi-fi clean character. Use the ID:Core's built-in Super Wide Stereo chorus effect at a moderate depth/rate to replicate the JC-120's defining shimmer.
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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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