Fender Rumble 15 settings
For Whom the Bell Tolls settings for Fender Rumble 15
Metallica · adapted 37 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "For Whom the Bell Tolls" distorted tone on a Fender Rumble 15, set Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 5. Use the both pickups (p for body, j for bite) pickup.
Distorted settings
Adapted for a Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ · updated 2026-11-13
- Pickup
- Both pickups (P for body, J for bite)
Fender Rumble 15 knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 5
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle technique to achieve a warm and round tone.
- Experiment with the gain knob to find the sweet spot for saturation without losing clarity.
- Try playing closer to the bridge for a more aggressive attack.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Fender Rumble 15 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 Fender Rumble 15 settings for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Set Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 5.
Which pickup should I use for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Both pickups (P for body, J for bite).
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?
These settings were adapted for a Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ. 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 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 Fender Rumble 15
- Feel Good Inc. (feat. David Jolicoeur, Kelvin Mercer & Vincent Mason) · Gorillaz & De La Soul
- Hysteria · Muse
- Chop Suey! · System Of A Down
- Schism · TOOL
- Money · Pink Floyd
- Paranoid · Black Sabbath
- Come Together · The Beatles
- Another One Bites the Dust · Queen
- My Name Is Mud · Primus
- Message In a Bottle · The Police
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Plug In Baby · Muse
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.