Clean Tone

(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth

Metallica

Bassmetal1980s

Original Gear

BassRickenbacker 4001 (modded with Stratocaster pickup under bridge)

AmpMesa Boogie D-180 (all-tube bass amp, studio era), possibly Marshall JMP for some sections

PickupsNeck and bridge single coils, plus additional Strat pickup (likely not engaged for clean section)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5

mid7

treble5.5

presence5.5

compression3.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983, Kill 'Em All sessions

Tone Character(9)

clear and articulatemidrange-forwardtight low endslightly nasalpiano-like attackno audible drive or fuzzdistinct note separationnatural tube warmthno compression pumping

Difficulty

The clean section requires advanced fingerstyle technique, precise tapping, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation before the fuzz kicks in. The phrasing and timing are challenging, especially at tempo.

Sources

10 timeless bass guitar tones and how to recreate them | MusicRadar Gear Rundown: Cliff Burton of Metallica Cliff Burton — Equipboard

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