Tone library / Pantera / Cowboy from hell

Cowboy from hell amp settings — FBT MM 121/ B

The Pantera guitar tone for “Cowboy from hell”, dialed in for a FBT MM 121/ B with a jackson JS Series Concert Bass JS2 AM Snow White. Studio version, Cowboys from Hell (1990)

Original rig

Rex Brown: Spector NS-2 bass with EMG pickups, Ampeg SVT head, 8x10 cab, played with a pick for aggressive attack

Tight, punchy, mid-forward grind with aggressive pick attack, locked tight to kick drum, minimal effects
Amp settings — FBT MM 121/ B
GAIN 6 BASS 7 MID 6 TREBLE 5 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain6
Bass7
Mid6
Treble5
Master5
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Why these settings

The FBT MM 121/B is a portable PA/keyboard amp, not a dedicated bass amp—it lacks the SVT's mid-grind and tube compression. Pushing mid to 6 compensates for the PA amp's flat/scooped voicing. Gain at 6 adds some presence without distortion since the amp won't naturally break up like an SVT. Your Jackson JS2's passive PJ pickups are lower output than Rex's active EMGs, so bass stays high at 7 for body. Keep treble conservative at 5 to avoid harshness through the PA-style speaker.

PRO TIPPlay with a pick near the bridge and dig in hard on downstrokes—Rex's tone on this track is 50% technique. Palm-mute lightly during the main riff to lock with Vinnie's kick pattern, then release for the fills.

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These settings are for a FBT MM 121/ B. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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