Vox VT20+ settings
For Whom the Bell Tolls settings for Vox VT20+
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "For Whom the Bell Tolls" riff tone on a Vox VT20+, set Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 5. Use the both pickup.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Tokai Love Rock LS-101 · updated 2026-05-28
- Pickup
- both
Vox VT20+ knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 5
Playing tips
- Use your fingers to pluck the strings for a warmer, rounder tone.
- Experiment with your finger positioning to find the sweet spot for distortion.
- Play with a heavier attack to enhance the overdrive effect.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox VT20+ 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 Vox VT20+ 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.
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 Tokai Love Rock LS-101. 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 Vox VT20+
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
- Layla · Derek & The Dominos
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Floods · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- La Grange · ZZ Top
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.