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Enter Sandman — Metallica1 / 2
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Enter Sandman Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP KH-2 'Mummy' (custom Kirk Hammett signature, 1991 spec)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main), blended with Marshall Super Lead (modded), possible Fender and Vox blended in studio
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (EMG 81)

Studio recording for 'Metallica' (The Black Album), 1991. Kirk Hammett used his ESP KH-2 'Mummy' with EMG active pickups, running through a combination of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and modded Marshall amps, with possible Fender and Vox amps blended for the solo. Wah and a touch of delay were used for the solo. Settings are estimated for the studio recording based on era, genre, and typical amp usage.

Amp Settings

Mids
4
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
1
Treble
7.5
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (rack-mounted) · wah
  • Delay pedal (model unknown, subtle setting) · delay

ESP KH-2 'Mummy' → Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (rack) → Delay pedal (subtle) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ / Marshall Super Lead (blended) → Cab

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • singing sustain
  • aggressive wah sweep
  • cutting, articulate highs
  • slightly scooped mids
  • modern metal clarity
  • fast attack
  • active pickup punch
  • touch of delay for space
  • focused lead presence

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No specific numeric amp settings for the studio recording found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall usage for 1991 Metallica.
  • ⚠️Pedal models for delay not specified; only wah pedal is confirmed by multiple sources and is clearly audible.
  • ⚠️Amp blend (Mesa/Boogie, Marshall, Fender, Vox) is confirmed for the solo, but exact mix and settings are not detailed in sources.
  • ⚠️Pickup selection is inferred from genre, Hammett's typical usage, and solo tone (bridge EMG 81 highly likely).
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Kirk Hammett's 'Enter Sandman' solo tone is classic early 90s Metallica: high gain but not maxed, tight bass, heavily scooped mids, bright treble, and boosted presence for clarity. The recording is dry with no audible amp reverb, matching the band's production style and gear of the era (Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or IIC++).

Sources