Vox Valvetronix VT20X settings
Master of Puppets settings for Vox Valvetronix VT20X
Metallica · adapted 6 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Vox Valvetronix VT20X, select the BOUTIQUE METAL preset, then set Gain 9, Volume 10, Bass 6, Mid 3, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Harley Benton ST-20 HSS · updated 2026-11-10
- Preset / mode
- BOUTIQUE METAL
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Vox Valvetronix VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 9
- Volume
- 10
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Tap tempo
- 0
- Amp models selector
- 6
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for chugging riffs to achieve the aggressive attack.
- Focus on fast alternate picking to maintain the percussive rhythm.
- Keep the guitar volume at maximum for full output and clarity.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox Valvetronix VT20X actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk')
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get Master of Puppets 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 preset should I use on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X for Master of Puppets?
Start from the BOUTIQUE METAL preset, then set Gain 9, Volume 10, Bass 6, Mid 3, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5.
Which pickup should I use for Master of Puppets?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on Master of Puppets?
Guitar: ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk'). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Harley Benton ST-20 HSS. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Master of Puppets on other amps
- Master of Puppets on Fender Mustang LT25 · 1,425
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana · 926
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 10G · 434
- Master of Puppets on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 280
- Master of Puppets on Fender Champion 20 · 218
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 15G · 207
- Master of Puppets on Neural DSP Quad Cortex · 193
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 · 182
Popular songs on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Walk · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- 1979 · The Smashing Pumpkins
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Take Me Out · Franz Ferdinand
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.