Sad But True amp settings — Matchless DC-30
The Metallica guitar tone for “Sad But True”, dialed in for a Matchless DC-30 with a Fender American Ultra Stratocaster. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album, 1991) — signature heavy main riff
ESP MX-220 (EMG 81/60) into Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ (slaved to Marshall) + Jose-modded Marshall Plexi, Marshall 4x12 cab (Celestion V30s), Aphex EQF-2 (scooping 1.2kHz)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Vault OD
Used as a tight boost in front to compress the front end and cut loose sub-bass before the Matchless preamp
02High-Gain Distortion (e.g. ProCo Rat or Mesa Throttle Box)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned
The Matchless DC-30 is a Class-A chime amp with high headroom and no mid-scoop high-gain stage, so genuine Black Album saturation requires pushing Channel 2 hard alongside the Vault OD acting as a tight boost. On Channel 2, set the 6-position rotary tone switch to position 4 to thicken low-mids without muddying the bottom, and roll the Cut control to around 4 to tame Strat single-coil top-end harshness. To get the authentic scooped Mesa Mark IIC++ chug, a dedicated high-gain distortion pedal will ultimately be required.
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These settings are for a Matchless DC-30. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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