What Amp gets Metallica Load Tone?

  • Thread starter Thread starter messenger
  • Start date Start date
messenger

messenger

Well-known member
I’ve always loved the tone Metallica got on Load and Reload. The albums themselves took years to grow on me. What amp would replicate that tone the best? I know there was likely a bunch of different amps used in the studio, as well as “studio magic” , so not looking the absolutely nail it. But what single amp would get closest?
 
I think they used Wizards among many other amps on that. Probably a lot of Mesas of course. Love the tone on those. My Friedman Runt 50 with a boost does great for that tone
 
That album ain’t much different sonically than the black album, the mix is extremely similar. As stated, that album is still mostly boogie. Triaxis and strategy 400 would be ideal. And Marshall cabinets with Marshall vintage speakers, not boogie cabs. You’ll never get that tone with boogie cabinets.
 
So Mark Series Boogie? I’ve never tried one (or even heard one in person)
 
Load and Reload have DRASTICALLY different (Hetfield) tones going on. Load is mostly Triaxis and Strategy 400 (lots of others blended in), where Reload is mostly Wizard. Go to youtube and listen the the raw guitar only tracks. Load has more gain and grease to it and Reload has more clarity and thump. I love the Reload tone but Load has better songs.
 
Lead 1 red on the non-phat mod Triaxis is killer. I had two at once and mixed that channel with Lead 2 yellow and it was devastating thru a 400.
 
there’s Larry amps on the solos for both albums . Kirk just called see it . Bleeding Me solo tone is s amazing
 
Tone Monster said:
Load and Reload have DRASTICALLY different (Hetfield) tones going on. Load is mostly Triaxis and Strategy 400 (lots of others blended in), where Reload is mostly Wizard. Go to youtube and listen the the raw guitar only tracks. Load has more gain and grease to it and Reload has more clarity and thump. I love the Reload tone but Load has better songs.
Click to expand...

Cool stuff. I just listened to some Fuel raw tracks and it does sound like how my Wizard MCI could be dialed in. Some of the video comments state Mesa Mark III. I could imagine it being either as it does kind of sound like the Quad pre I had owned as well.
 
Last edited:
They def did have the Wizard by the Reload sessions. The Wizard amp is up the top corner, above the Marshall.
Lots of the regular amps, IIC+, rectos, James Rack rig and even Kirks Dumble (crappy sounding apparently)
James intro riff on 'Prince Charming' is totally Wizard to my ear

5FLf7cj.jpg


YfBHjXr.jpg


siMkXXP.jpg


I3IPlpa.jpg


i7zXGUl.jpg






From Load session

jXdSj1f.jpg


KieKyFL.jpg


oALUyjJ.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top