Welcome to Zystrix...

What’s new at Zystrix? Read on… August 18, 2025 Six ways to Improve or Change Your Guitar Sound for FREE (or almost free) In the last issue we looked at double tracking a guitar in a DAW the easy way (click here for a refresher). This time we’re going to change or improve your guitar sound for free (or close to it). And there’s a bonus idea at the end. We’re also going to hear and see the latest solo piano tune by Dangerous Neighbors called Questions Forever Unresolved. These new piano tunes are always posted on “Farcebook” in advance of being posted here, but the versions here are a higher audio and video quality. So sit back and relax. Welcome to Zystrix, the heartbeat of the universe. Where creativity and free- thinking have more value than conformity. Background Artwork The colorful artwork that surrounds the edges of this website is invisible to many cell phone users. It’s included (with others) for your enjoyment. Multiple copies are tiled together for a cohesive and seamless background seen all around this page. Enjoy. How to Improve or Change Your Guitar Sound for FREE (or almost free) Introduction It’s always nice to purchase a new piece of gear you’ve been saving money to get. But improving or changing your sound for free is nice too. Below you’ll find some ideas that you may find helpful in expanding your sonic horizons. #1. OVERDRIVES AND POWER AMPS: Example A: Use your distortion pedal (or almost any kind of gain pedal) as a clean boost. Examples are a Klon clone, Boss Blues Driver, Timmy and clones, and many others. To do this simply turn up the volume knob and turn down the distortion knob using it as a volume control, and adjust the tone to taste. This utilizes the input distortion of your amp by running the front end hotter. Example B: Here’s another technique that sounds huge using pedals you probably already own. Use your old amp-in- a-box type pedal as a power amp stage that’s plugged into your amplifier loop return. Use your favorite distortion or overdrive pedal as the main “amplifier” sound and plug that into the “power amp” pedal. Set this “amplifier” pedal however you like the drive sound with the output set at about unity. Now run the “power amp” pedal EQ relatively flat, the volume about unity or more, and run the distortion clean to near breakup. Now run this output into your amplifier loop return. For a big guitar sound use a triple rectifier type pedal for the main “amplifier” distortion and a Marshall type pedal for the “power amp” tone, and voila, an instant John Sykes Whitesnake 1987 or Metallica black album type tone. See the July 7th, 2025 issue for more details. #2. PICKS AND PICKING: If you’re looking to lay down some fast licks, sharpen your pick. A great pick that’s pointed is the Ernie Ball Prodigy or the Dunlop 471 Jazz III. On the other hand, if you are looking for heavy power chords try a white Fender Ex Heavy with the typically rounded pick edge. Another cool thing to do is purchase some banjo picks and experiment with cross-picking, Travis picking, banjo rolls, and so on. They’re cheap, and they’re fun. Visit the June 23, 2025 guitar pick issue for more information on picks. #3. STRINGS/TUNING: Many guitarists change string gauge for an inexpensive tonal difference. However, once I land on a string brand and type I like I’d rather not switch to a different gauge. For me it’s too much messing around. However, there are some great strings to be had -- check out the May 27, 2025 string issue for more details. But another great way to change your guitar sound for nearly free is by simply changing your tuning. There’s the typical standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E lowest to highest), the E flat standard (all strings tuned down a half step), slack key or the low E tuned down to a D, and many others. It’s possible to spend hours just having fun with different tunings. For a lot of cool tuning options and ideas check out the June 9th 2025 guitar tuning issue. #4. SWITCH TO STEREO: If you are fortunate enough to own two amplifiers try running your rig in stereo. You can also record it in stereo using your DAW. There are many pedals that make this easy and you may own one of them right now. Some of them are designed to be mono input only but many are stereo output. Some excellent choices are a chorus pedal, a modulation pedal, a delay pedal, or a stereo IR pedal like the excellent Boss IR-200 or the Flamma Cab FS07 pedal. For more information on IR pedals check out the March 3, 2025 IR pedal issue. And there’s even some free IR wave files for download there too, and they probably sound better than what you’re using now. For more modulation pedal info and links check out the January 20, 2025 modulation isssue. For info on some great reverb pedals for going stereo visit the February 17, 2025 reverb pedal issue. And don’t forget delay pedals make for a good stereo option and can be found in the February 3, 2025 delay pedals issue. #5. SHORTER CABLES: It is common knowledge that shorter guitar cables conserve the high end of a guitar signal. Unfortunately that’s how high impedance works. And even the expensive guitar cables don’t help that much (visit part one of the guitar cable issues and part two for the finale). If you’re using a combined 20ft (about 6 meters) of cable or more to get to your amp, shorten your cable lengths to conserve high end. This usually works for recording sessions, but sometimes it isn’t feasible in a live situation. There are a couple of ways to fix this problem. Use a wireless system, but these can get expensive (visit the wireless issue from May 12, 2025). Another way is to use a buffer pedal as illustrated in the April 14, 2025 guitar cables issue part two. Unfortunately as of this writing excellent inexpensive buffer pedals are somewhat rare. Or use some kind of combination or a dual wireless system. So until you can afford a good wireless system or a decent buffer to get around the capacitance issue simply save your money and try shortening your guitar cables. Use roughly 10 feet combined max (about 3 meters) and your high end will be thankful. Or just buy the damn buffer. #6. ADJUST YOUR PICKUP HEIGHT: As pickups get closer to the strings the signal gets hotter (and better). Most people agree that an eighth inch from the low string and about a sixteenth inch from the high string is about right. Remember to hold all strings down at the highest fret before measuring and making the adjustments. However, when the pickup is too close it can introduce artifacts. The magnets can also interact with the strings. For a sound example of a pickup very close to the strings listen to the guitar part in the tune Moby Dick found on the second Led Zeppelin album. So basically find your sweet spot for your pickups (or whatever you can tolerate) and leave it there. #7. DAMPEN SYMPATHETIC VIBRATIONS: Many guitarists use something to dampen vibrations to conserve their chugs. The areas to put a dampener would be at the headstock under or over the strings located between the tuning pegs and the nut (see Les Paul headstock). Another place is behind the springs in the whammy area on the back of the guitar as seen below. I prefer a piece of foam rubber and it seems to last a long time. The materials can be old socks, hair ties, foam, rags, wrist sweat bands, and so on. I don’t like to use them (except behind the whammy springs) because I prefer the raw sound. But that’s just me. Conclusion And there you have it. These offerings are maybe a little obvious for some guitarists, but using one or all of these options may also make all the difference. I hope this issue has given you some ideas that may improve your guitar sound, and hopefully made playing guitar more enjoyable. Questions Forever Unresolved -- solo piano by Dangerous Neighbors It’s easy to forget that the only thing constant is change. It’s much better to take advantage of the current situation by asking any questions you may have now before it’s too late and the answers die with them. Click here for the MP3 version of Questions Forever Unresolved. Click here for the video version. Enjoy. Don’t touch that dial… Stay tuned next time… The nurse is in the house. Next time we’re going to learn about tendinitis and some guitar warm- up exercises to keep the problem from becoming a nursing issue. And there’s yet another piano tune in both MP3 and video formats called Trick of Fortune. Maybe I’ll see you then. I’ve been told I’m evidence that evolution can go in reverse.

Zystrix = a source, shaman, or library disseminating secret or lost knowledge, art, or music.

ZYSTRIX POPULAR FREE DOWNLOADS The Best Free Synthesizers of 2024 It’s another epic issue, and there’s lots of FREE downloads here. And the Honorable Mention Synthesizer List might surprise you. This list is long, so prepare yourself. And if it seems like too much to take in, I warned you. Click here for the official list of The Best Free Synthesizers of 2024. The Best Free Mastering Plugins Your DAW (digital audio workstation) will be so happy. And so will you. Here are the best of the best for EQ, compression, limiting, tube and tape emulation, reverb, delay, and honorable mentions. This list is a must have with lots of downloads. Check out The Best FREE Plugins for Mastering 2024. Here’s a free download of almost one and a half hours of original neo-classical solo piano by Dangerous Neighbors. This full length album called Piano Top to Bottom consists of 18 original piano pieces with the final piece in two movements. There is a bonus track making 20 files total. This download comes in three format options: the first option is a single file MP3 containing all the tunes in one chunk similar to tape recordings. The second download option is a folder with all of the separate MP3 piano pieces named and arranged in album order similar to a CD or MP3 player. The third download option is similar to videos found on “ZooTube” with the names and times on the screen. There is also a fourth surprise version made only for “ZooTube” and it is edited down to less than 15 minutes long because of their telephone number required rule. Basically it just guides the listener here. To download any or all of these options simply click here. Enjoy. Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses Introducing the next generation in guitar cabinet impulse responses. Try the new Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12. All of these cab IR files are based on old, new, and boutique 4x12 cab curves. All are recorded in beautiful 24-bit 48K mono and will work on most free and paid digital convolvers. Hear the guitar IR breathe fire with pure attitude. Don’t be suckered in with high-dollar sales pitches, there ain’t no guitar IR downloads better than these. Choose from many cab sound recording styles: cone, edge, angled, arm away, inside cab, back of cab, or back of room. Djammincabs is the world leader in guitar cab IR invention -- no other guitar IR company can imitate these. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 makes it easier for you to design your own personalized sound -- even your own Metal IR pack. If you can’t find a cabinet or combination you like here, then you don’t like 4x12 cabinets. This guitar IR download also includes a Tactical Munitions Manual with suggested uses and detailed cab combinations. This is the best free guitar impulse download available anywhere. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 “Murder Your Competition.” I feel brave. I want to try them now. Here’s my email... Djammincabs for Guitar Free Guitar Impulse Responses This is the original Djammincabs guitar cabinet impulse response collection that started it all. Click here to download over 200 Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Djammincabs for Bass Guitar Download Free Bass Impulse Responses Click here to download over 200 Free Bass Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Best Free Guitar Impulses. The Top 11 Best Free Guitar and Bass Cabinet Impulse Responses for 2022 (in alphabetical order…) Find, download, and test the best free guitar cabinet impulse responses for 2022. FREE BASS LOOPS SAMPLES DOWNLOAD ROYALTY FREE BASS LOOP SAMPLES FREE BASS LOOPS Over 200 samples are included in the collection Download the complete collection of 24-bit bass loops here. NOTE: This download size is approximately 369 Megs. Free Pendulate Synthesizer Presets Original Newfangled Audio Pendulate synth patches/presets Click here to download over 240 Free Pendulate Synth Presets (patches) Synapse Audio Dune Synthesizer Download Over 200 Free Synapse Audio Dune 2 and Dune 3 Synthesizer Patches and Presets Click here to download over 200 FREE Synapse Audio Dune 2 or Dune 3 synthesizer patches or presets. NOTE: This synth patch download is slightly over 1 Meg in size. Free Reverb Impulse Responses This is our most popular download page. Choose from hundreds available in 48K 24 bit WAV format including many new original reverbs. CabSpace Over 400 Guitar Isolation Booth Reverbs Download over 400 Free Zystrix Original Reverb Impulse Responses, and over 200 Free Zystrix Original BONUS Reverb Impulse Responses. Download all the Alesis MIDIVerb 4 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Lexicon MPX-1 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Alesis Wedge reverb impulse responses. Download over 50 Reverb Relics from the past including oil cans. Click here to download free reverb impulse responses. Free Drum Samples Only Available from Zystrix Free Gong Samples and Sounds Free Snare Drum Samples and Sounds Free Bass Drum Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Cymbal Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Bells Samples and Sounds The Ultimate Original Drum Sounds List Download over 2000 original slammin’ rock bass drums. Download original Gongs, Cymbals, Broken Cymbals, and Bells. Download Over 200 Free Original Bass Drum Sounds and Samples. Download over 200 Original Free snare drum sounds. Click here to download Drum Kit Sounds. Dangerous Neighbors The SW Michigan Rock Band Power Trio. Free Rockin’ Music Downloads Download tunes from the 80s to today. Use the special codes on the Embalmed for Life page (see the DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS link below) and get free downloads for the complete album and the free horror audio book The Fluid - Embalmed for Life. Click here to download various music from the rock band Dangerous Neighbors. Download Free Synth Samples for Intros, Interludes, and Endings Listen to example #01 by clicking here (MP3 Sample) Download FREE professional quality stereo sample packs that slowly evolve over time. All samples are in 48K 24 bit WAV format and are about 20 seconds long or more. If you like suspense, psycho, outer space, or terror then this collection is for you. These range from paranoia to sci-fi, cinematic gore to strange industrial horror, and creepy creatures to insane laboratories. Click here to download all the synth Intros, Interludes, and Endings. DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS The Fluid, Embalmed for Life There are Free Audio Book codes for Audible downloads (must sign up). There are also free sample downloads of the book reading. There are free downloads of music samples. There is a free “Look Inside” download of the paperback. There is a free glossary of the largest list of mortuary slang in the world. The Free Dangerous Neighbors Album The Fluid, Embalmed for Life comes included as part of the audio book and parts are available here as a free download. The paperback book is available for sale at Amazon dot com. I have no control over these sales; because of the Amazon agreement I cannot offer complete paperback or complete audio books here. And for some reason most book sales go to Japan. Who would have thunk it? Click here for free audio books, book reading samples, music samples, etc. Take me back to the top of the page. Zystrix Privacy Policy THE FINE PRINT: Zystrix is a world leader in personal privacy and we take your privacy very seriously. We do not store, sell, give away, or barter with any of your personal or private information including your email, IP address, links clicked, location, habits, tastes, online activities and behaviors, or anything else considered personal or private information. We never have. Zystrix is not and has never been a participant in any advertising program including but not limited to the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Sweetwater, Reverb, or any other affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees from readers by click-through advertising and linking to the aforementioned or any other companies. Zystrix does not allow companies like Doubleclick, Clickbank, Zedo, Linkbucks, Hubspot or any other related clandestine personal privacy internet problems to occupy space or have any presence on or in the Zystrix website. Zystrix does not and has never used Google Analytics, therefore this site is not required to have those annoying cookie agreement popups. Zystrix has no links associated with the sale or offer of any products, and we do not allow this. Unlike so many other websites similar to this one, this Zystrix privacy policy keeps our reviews dead honest, cuts out any unnecessary middle man, and keeps this website free from cookies and the influences of Google and the many other unethical purveyors of your digital exhaust and personal information. Open source, private, and honest. It’s our mantra.