Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 settings
For Whom the Bell Tolls settings for Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108
Metallica · adapted 7 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "For Whom the Bell Tolls" distorted tone on a Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108, set Gain 7.5, Drive 3, Bass 3.5, Mid 6, Treble 5.5. Use the both pickup.
Distorted settings
updated 2026-10-21
- Pickup
- both
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Drive
- 3
- Bass
- 3.5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 5.5
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle to emphasize the warmth and roundness of the tone.
- Experiment with the drive control to achieve the desired saturation without losing clarity.
- Adjust your playing dynamics to accentuate the aggressive character of the overdriven tone.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 actually has.
- Bass
- Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording)
- Amp
- Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984)
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
Different bass or pedals? Get For Whom the Bell Tolls adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own bass, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 settings for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Set Gain 7.5, Drive 3, Bass 3.5, Mid 6, Treble 5.5.
Which pickup should I use for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
both.
What gear did Metallica use on For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Bass: Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording). Amp: Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984).
Will these settings work with my bass?
Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact bass, pickups, amp and pedals.
For Whom the Bell Tolls on other amps
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Amp · 65
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 25 · 54
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on 15W Bass Combo Amplifier by Gear4music · 39
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 15 · 37
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 40 · 35
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 100 · 21
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Mustang LT25 · 16
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble LT25 · 12
Popular songs on the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108
- Hysteria · Muse
- Schism · TOOL
- Feel Good Inc. (feat. David Jolicoeur, Kelvin Mercer & Vincent Mason) · Gorillaz & De La Soul
- Paranoid · Black Sabbath
- Chop Suey! · System Of A Down
- Come Together · The Beatles
- Money · Pink Floyd
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.