Enter sandman amp settings — Fender Mustang LT25
The Mettalica guitar tone for “Enter sandman”, dialed in for a Fender Mustang LT25 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Metallica (The Black Album), 1991
ESP Explorer (EMG 81 bridge) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+/Mark IV → Marshall 4x12 cabinet. Scooped mids, tight lows, Bob Rock production.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01ProCo Rat
Use as a clean boost only—Distortion at 0, Filter around noon to tighten lows. The METAL 2000 model provides all the gain. If you engage the Rat's distortion, the tone will turn muddy. Turn it OFF for this tone unless you need the low-end tightening.
The Mustang LT25's METAL 2000 model (based on Mesa Rectifier voicing) is the closest to Hetfield's Mark IIC+ scooped sound. The original Mesa has mids scooped hard (around 3-4 on the graphic EQ), so mid at 3 compensates for the Fender modeling being slightly flatter. Your Ibanez's INF pickups are lower output than EMG 81s—gain 7 compensates for this without going muddy. Reverb is 0; the original recording is bone dry.
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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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