Crate GX-15R settings
The Call of Ktulu settings for Crate GX-15R
Metallica · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "The Call of Ktulu" riff tone on a Crate GX-15R, set Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 4, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Reverb Control 1. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a ESP MX-220 · updated 2026-06-25
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Crate GX-15R knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Reverb Control
- 1
- Level (Clean Channel)
- 0
- Gain (Overdrive Channel)
- 8
- Level (Overdrive Channel)
- 6
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use aggressive palm muting to achieve tight and percussive rhythms.
- Focus on crisp note separation by picking with a sharp attack.
- Keep the amp's reverb low to maintain a focused sound without excessive ambience.
Solo settings
Adapted for a ESP MX-220 · updated 2026-06-25
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Crate GX-15R knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 8
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Reverb Control
- 2
- Level (Clean Channel)
- 0
- Gain (Overdrive Channel)
- 7
- Level (Overdrive Channel)
- 6
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level to add depth to the solo.
- Focus on fluid legato playing to achieve the singing sustain characteristic.
- Incorporate expressive vibrato and bends to enhance the emotional impact of the solo.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Crate GX-15R actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson Explorer (1984, likely stock pickups)
- Amp
- Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
- Gain
- 0
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2
Different guitar or pedals? Get The Call of Ktulu adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Crate GX-15R settings for The Call of Ktulu?
Set Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 4, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Reverb Control 1.
Which pickup should I use for The Call of Ktulu?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on The Call of Ktulu?
Guitar: Gibson Explorer (1984, likely stock pickups). Amp: Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a ESP MX-220. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
The Call of Ktulu on other amps
More Metallica on the Crate GX-15R
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Crate GX-15R
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Floods · Pantera
- This Love · Pantera
- Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener · Black Sabbath
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Papercut · LINKIN PARK
- From the Inside · LINKIN PARK
- 115 · Kevin Sherwood & Elena Siegman
- Pull the Plug · Death
- Genetic Reconstruction · Death
- Thick and Thin · Avenged Sevenfold
- Lithium · Nirvana
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.