Seek & Destroy amp settings — Datrel 2x8
The Metallica guitar tone for “Seek & Destroy”, dialed in for a Datrel 2x8 with a Harley Benton SC-Custom II. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983)
Gibson Flying V (bridge humbucker) → Pro Co Rat or Boss DS-1 → Marshall JCM800 2203 head → Marshall 4x12 cabinet
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Master | 6 |
01Distortion pedal (Rat-style or DS-1 style)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for this tone. A Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, or any budget distortion clone will get you there. Without it, the Datrel's clean preamp cannot produce the saturated thrash gain Hetfield used.
The Datrel 2x8 is an unrecognized small practice amp — I've set universal knobs only and nulled presence/reverb which it likely lacks. The original tone came from a cranked JCM800 pushed harder by a Rat pedal. Your amp cannot reach that saturation alone; the RECOMMENDED distortion pedal is the gain source, so keep amp gain moderate (7) to stay clean-ish and let the pedal do the heavy lifting. Treble 7 and mid 4 approximate the classic thrash scoop on a neutral solid-state voicing.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Datrel 2x8. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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