Sad But True amp settings — Kozmoz Nova Mini

The Metallica guitar tone for “Sad But True”, dialed in for a Kozmoz Nova Mini with a Cort X100. Studio version, Metallica (The Black Album, 1991) - Main Rhythm Guitar

Original rig

ESP MX-220 (EMG 81/60) into Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ (modified) layered with Jose-modded Marshall, Marshall 1960 4x12 with Celestion V30s, Aphex EQF-2 (1.2kHz cut), Aphex CX-1 compressor

Massive, tight, down-tuned metal chug — heavy low-end thump with scooped mids and controlled high-gain saturation

Amp settings — Kozmoz Nova Mini

CHANNELHigh Gain / Lead Model (Mesa/Cali Preamp model if available)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	8
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Kozmoz Nova Mini is dialed into its high-gain metal voice with an aggressive V-curve EQ to capture the Mark IIC++ scooped midrange. The Cort X100 passive bridge humbucker has less natural compression than James's active EMG 81, so keeping gain around 7 and treble at 7 restores the razor-sharp bite and attack. Bass is pushed to 8 to reproduce the massive low-end thump of the track's D-standard tuning.

PRO TIPTune your guitar down a full step to D Standard (D-G-C-F-A-D) and use strict downpicking with heavy palm muting right against the bridge saddles to get the tight, crushing attack heard on the record.

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These settings are for a Kozmoz Nova Mini. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.