Sad But True amp settings — Fender Mustang LT25

The Metallica guitar tone for “Sad But True”, dialed in for a Fender Mustang LT25 with a ESP LTD EC-256. Studio version, Metallica (The Black Album, 1991) — Main Riff

Original rig

ESP MX-220 (EMG 81/60) into Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ layered with Jose-modded Marshall, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab with Celestion V30s, Aphex EQF-2 EQ and CX-1 compressor

Massive, tight, down-tuned metal chug — heavy low-end thump with scooped mids and controlled high-gain saturation

Amp settings — Fender Mustang LT25

CHANNELMetal 2000 (Mesa Dual Rectifier model)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	8
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Onboard Noise Gate (Mustang LT25 Utility FX)

Enable the onboard Noise Gate block before the amp model to keep the heavy palm mutes tight and silent

Threshold 7 · Depth 8

Why these settings

The Mustang LT25's 'Metal 2000' amp model delivers the tight, saturated high-gain structure of the original Mark IIC++ tracking. To recreate the iconic 'Black Album' Aphex EQ V-curve on this small 8-inch combo, mid is scooped to 3 while bass is pushed to 8 to mimic the down-tuned D-standard cabinet thump. The ESP LTD EC-256 humbuckers have plenty of passive punch, so gain at 7 provides full saturation without turning the low end muddy.

PRO TIPTune your guitar down a full step to D Standard (D-G-C-F-A-D) and strike your palm-muted chugs aggressively right next to the bridge saddles with a stiff pick to get that signature percussive snap.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Fender Mustang LT25. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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