What bass did Cliff Burton use on For Whom the Bell Tolls?

Cliff Burton used an Alembic Series I or Series II bass on "For Whom the Bell Tolls." These basses were known for their active electronics and bright, clear tone that helped Burton's playing cut through Metallica's heavy guitar sound.

How to get Cliff Burton's bass tone from Master of Puppets?

Use an active bass through an Ampeg SVT with moderate overdrive, blend direct input with a miked amplifier signal, and apply compression for punch. EQ should emphasize the low-end power while maintaining clear midrange definition.

What amp did Metallica use for bass on Master of Puppets?

Metallica used an Ampeg SVT head and cabinet for the bass recordings on Master of Puppets. The SVT's tube overdrive and powerful low-end response were essential to achieving Burton's aggressive tone.

Where was For Whom the Bell Tolls recorded?

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" was recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. Producer Flemming Rasmussen worked with the band to capture their signature sound during these sessions.

How was Cliff Burton's bass recorded on Master of Puppets?

Burton's bass was recorded using a combination of direct input and miked amplifier signals, which provided both clarity and warmth. This blended approach became characteristic of the album's bass sound and helped the instrument maintain presence in the heavy mix.

bass guitar from "for whom the bell tolls" by metallica

for whom the bell tolls

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Tone Profile

A gritty, aggressive bass tone with a punchy low-end and clear mid-range, perfect for driving heavy riffs. The sound is raw and powerful, cutting through the mix with authority.

Shop This Rig

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Alembic Series I or Series II(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)
Alembic Series I(guitar)

The Story

Cliff Burton's bass tone on "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was recorded using his Alembic bass through an Ampeg SVT head and cabinet at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen. Producer Flemming Rasmussen captured the sound using a combination of direct input and a miked amplifier, likely with a Neumann U47, which was characteristic of the studio's approach during the Master of Puppets sessions. The aggressive, cutting tone became a defining element of Burton's sound and Metallica's early records.

Production Credits

Producer: Flemming Rasmussen

Engineer: Flemming Rasmussen

Recorded at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen

Signal Chain

Instrument: Alembic Series I or Series IIShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a bass that has a similar tonal quality to the Alembic. If you don't have an Alembic, try a bass with active electronics and a bright, clear tone.
Use an Ampeg SVT amp or amp simulator. Dial in a moderate amount of gain to get a slightly overdriven sound.
Blend a direct input signal with the miked amp signal to achieve a balanced tone. Adjust the blend to taste.
Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add punch. Be careful not to over-compress the signal.
Experiment with EQ to shape the tone. Boost the low-end for a powerful sound and cut any muddiness in the low-mid frequencies.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Spector Euro4 LXShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,500

Alternative to: Alembic Series I/II Bass

Active electronics and clear, bright tone similar to Alembic's characteristics, with excellent mid-range definition for cutting through heavy mixes

Ampeg SVT-CL ClassicShop on Reverb$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT Head

Modern reissue of the classic SVT that Burton used, providing the same tube warmth and aggressive overdrive capabilities

Neural DSP Parallax Bass PluginPlugin Boutique$100-$120

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT Head

Includes accurate SVT amp modeling with DI blending capabilities, perfect for recreating the recorded tone at home

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Neumann U47 Microphone

Budget alternative that captures the aggressive midrange character needed for this tone, commonly used on bass cabs

Yamaha TRBX604FMShop on Reverb$500-$600