Orion amp settings — Yamaha THR30II

The Metallica guitar tone for “Orion”, dialed in for a Yamaha THR30II with a PRS McCarty 594. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — heavy rhythm/lead sections (the song's iconic instrumental tone)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (James rhythm), Marshall JCM800 2203 (Kirk leads), ESP guitars with EMG 81 pickups, Boss DD-2 Delay

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with scooped mids and razor treble bite; saturated but articulate palm mutes

Amp settings — Yamaha THR30II

CHANNELHI GAIN amp model (Mesa-style voice)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	6
Mid	4
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The THR30II's HI GAIN model approximates the Mark IIC+ voice well. Your McCarty 594's PAF-style humbuckers are warmer and lower output than EMG 81s, so gain +1 (to 7) compensates; treble stays high (7) to recover the razor attack Hetfield's EMGs provided. Mid at 4 gives the classic 80s thrash scoop without disappearing entirely. The original was recorded dry — reverb 0.

PRO TIPPalm mute directly over the bridge saddles, not further up the strings — the Mark IIC+ tone on this track is defined by ultra-tight, percussive chugs that come from precise right-hand positioning and downpicking every note.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Yamaha THR30II. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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More tones for the Yamaha THR30II

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