Guitar tone · rock, punk

Nirvana guitar tone: gear & amp settings

The gear and amp settings behind 135 Nirvana songs, researched from rig rundowns, interviews and gear forums. The rig that shows up most: Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 into Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers).

Guitars Nirvana used

Univox Hi-Flier Phase 322 songs
Gibson RD Artist Bass9 songs
Epiphone ET-2706 songs
Gibson Ripper6 songs
Fender Competition Mustang4 songs
Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster3 songs
Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)3 songs
1993 Fender Custom Telecaster3 songs

Amps Nirvana used

Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)3 songs
Randall solid-state head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet3 songs
Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet3 songs
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet3 songs
Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s)3 songs
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet2 songs
Mesa/Boogie Studio .222 songs
Fender Quad Reverb2 songs

212 Nirvana tones

Song	Part	Guitar	Amp	Gain
Smells Like Teen Spirit · riff	Riff · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers	7
Come As You Are · riff	Riff · clean	1991-1992 Japanese Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar (stock pickups, modded with DiMarzio DP103 PAF 36th Anniversary neck and DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion bridge, but for 'Come As You Are' riff, likely used a Fender Mustang or Jaguar with stock single-coil neck pickup)	Fender Bassman (silverface, late 1960s/early 1970s, used in Nevermind sessions)	4.5
Come As You Are · riff	Riff · distorted	1991-1992 Japanese Fender Jaguar (modded with DiMarzio DP103 PAF in neck, DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion in bridge, black finish, chrome hardware)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, Marshall 1960AV 4x12 Cabinet	6
Drain You · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar (1991-1992, custom modded, DiMarzio pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	8
smells Like teen spirit · solo	Solo · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet	6.5
In Bloom · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 60s, sonic blue, single-coil bridge pickup)	Fender Bassman (blackface, vintage tube amp, used in Nevermind studio sessions)	7
Heart-Shaped Box · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup and black Seymour Duncan Hot Rails neck pickup)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s)	6.5
Smells Like Teen Spirit · riff	Riff · clean	1965 Fender Jaguar (left-handed, DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge, DiMarzio PAF neck)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinets	0
Rape Me · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster Left Handed (white, rosewood fretboard, Seymour Duncan Hot Rail in bridge)	Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp	7
About a Girl · riff	Riff · clean	Epiphone ET-270	1960s Fender Twin Reverb (borrowed from Jack Endino for Bleach studio recording)	4
Serve the servants · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Electric XII (mid-60s sunburst, 12-string, dot neck, right-handed)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
Drain You · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster (likely 1965, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind sessions)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, studio recording, 1991)	0
Lithium · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Stratocaster (likely 1989-1991, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Fender Bassman (studio recording, Nevermind sessions)	7
Breed · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Competition Mustang	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet	8
Aneurysm · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang or Fender Jaguar (exact model uncertain, both used by Cobain in late 1991)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1991 sessions)	7
Drain You (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	7
Lithium · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster Left Handed (white, rosewood fretboard, likely with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Fender Bassman (studio recording, Nevermind sessions)	0
Lounge Act (Devonshire Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan MG69 Mustang (1990s, blue, as used on Nevermind sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Nevermind studio setup, per Butch Vig and session documentation)	6.5
Rape Me · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster Left Handed (1992-1993, 'Lithium Stratocaster')	Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 or Crest Audio 4801 Poweramp (In Utero era studio setup)	0
Aneurysm (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Mustang MG69 (likely sunburst, stock pickups, as seen in Paramount video)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	7
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (1971, likely with Seymour Duncan JB Jr. in bridge)	Randall Commander RG-120/300 Head with 2x12 cabinet	7
Heart-Shaped Box · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s)	4
I Hate Myself and Want to Die (2013 Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, likely Competition Blue, as used on In Utero sessions)	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s, silverface, 4x12 combo)	7.5
Polly · riff	Riff · clean	Stella 6-string acoustic (steel-string converted to nylon, only 5 strings at time of recording)	None (recorded direct with microphones, no amp used for riff section on studio recording)	0
School · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (late 1960s, modified with Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	7.5
Territorial Pissings · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Mustang (early 1970s, Competition Blue, stock pickups, used on Nevermind sessions)	Direct to Neve console (no amp), with Pro Co Rat distortion pedal	9
The Man Who Sold the World (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · distorted	Martin D-18E (1959, modified with Bartolini pickups)	Direct Input (DI) with Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion pedal; no traditional guitar amp used for acoustic set	5
About a Girl · solo	Solo · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Twin Reverb (with 2x12 cab, Celestion speakers, studio recording)	6
All Apologies · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified with DiMarzio PAF in bridge and stock single coil in neck)	Fender Twin Reverb (likely Blackface, 1982 reissue or vintage)	0
Come As You Are · solo	Solo · distorted	1965 Fender Jaguar (left-handed, sunburst, with DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker in bridge and DiMarzio PAF in neck)	Mesa/Boogie Studio 22 Preamp into Crown Power Base-2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinets	4.5
Drain You (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Japan MG-69 Mustang (Sonic Blue, 'Blue Courtney')	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	0
Heart-Shaped Box · solo	Solo · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Twin Reverb II (Rivera era, early 1980s)	6.5
Smells Like Teen Spirit · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper Bass	Ampeg SVT‑400T	0
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960A/B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers	5.5
Stay Away · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker (bridge position)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinets	8
About a Girl · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET270	1968 Fender Twin Reverb	4
Blew · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Bleach studio sessions, Reciprocal Recording 1988-1989)	8
Dive · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Randall RG-120 Commander (solid-state head) into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	6.5
Drain You (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Japan ST-62 Stratocaster Left Handed (Sunburst, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Unknown (likely Marshall JCM800 or JCM900, as used by Cobain live in 1992)	0
Heart-Shaped Box (2013 Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified with DiMarzio Super Distortion in bridge, black finish, tune-o-matic bridge, Gotoh tailpiece)	Fender Twin Reverb 'Silverface' (Quad Reverb variant, used in studio for In Utero)	6.5
Lounge Act (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Standard Stratocaster Left Handed (Sunburst, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	6.5
Lounge Act (Live In Melbourne, Australia For Triple J, 1992) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, likely Japanese, white, rosewood fretboard, stock single-coil pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, 1970s-80s era, used live in 1992)	0
Love Buzz · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (late 1970s, white, stock pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s)	7
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups, as used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet (as used in In Utero sessions)	7.5
Rape Me (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	0
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster (likely Japanese, black, as seen at Reading 1992)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 (as per Reading 1992 live rig photos and common 1992 live setup)	0
Something In The Way · riff	Riff · clean	Stella 12-string acoustic (strung with 5 or 6 steel strings, likely missing high E)	None (direct mic'd acoustic, no amp used in studio recording)	0
Spank Thru (Live In Rome, Italy, November 19, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang MG69 (left-handed, likely blue or sunburst, as used by Kurt Cobain in late 1991 live shows)	Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers	0
About a Girl · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Sunn Beta Bass (likely, based on Bleach-era live/studio photos and interviews; Ampeg SVT possible but less likely for Bleach)	0
About a Girl (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	Martin D-18E (1959, heavily modified with Bartolini pickups and controls)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1960s, used as acoustic amp for MTV Unplugged)	0
About a Girl (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, modded with Seymour Duncan JB in bridge)	Fender Quad Reverb (Silverface, 4x12, 1970s)	3.5
About a Girl (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Standard Stratocaster Left Handed (Sunburst, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Unknown (likely Marshall JCM800 or JCM900, as used by Cobain live in 1992, but not confirmed for this specific song/section)	5.5
About A Girl (Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	1991 Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, 'Vandalism' Strat, with Kramer neck)	Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet (head likely Marshall JCM800 or JCM900, as per Nirvana's 1991 live rig)	5.5
About A Girl (Live In Tokyo, Japan, 1992) · riff	Riff · clean	1966 Fender Jaguar (modified with DiMarzio PAF in neck, DiMarzio Super Distortion in bridge, Tune-o-matic bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (live rig, 1992 era)	0
Aero Zeppelin · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
All Apologies · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, likely with Seymour Duncan JB in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	6.5
All Apologies (2023 Remaster) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, early 70s, used in studio for In Utero recording)	5.5
Aneurysm · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, likely sunburst or blue, as used by Cobain in 1991 studio sessions)	Fender Twin Reverb (1960s/1970s silverface, as used in studio for clean tones)	0
Aneurysm · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Cobain in 1991 studio sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	7
Aneurysm (Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270	Randall solid-state amp head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	7
Aneurysm (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Japanese Stratocaster (white, likely stock pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet	0
Been a Son (BBC Mark Goodier Session) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely 1970s, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1991 BBC sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (as per BBC session era, but not 100% confirmed for this track; Marshall JCM800 also possible, but no direct evidence for this session)	7
Been a Son (Blew EP Version) · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270 (red, 1970s Japanese solidbody)	Randall solid-state amp head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	7
Big Long Now · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270	Randall RG-120 Commander	7
Big Long Now · riff	Riff · clean	Epiphone ET-270	Randall solid-state head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	0
Blandest (Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Twin Reverb (1968, head only, into 2x12 cab with Celestion speakers)	7
Blew · solo	Solo · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Bleach studio setup)	8
Blew (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (Skystang I, blue, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live & Loud 1993)	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/DI for distortion) into Crest 4801 Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	8.5
Breed · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Competition Mustang	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp (with Marshall 4x12 cab, Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	0
Breed · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT Classic, era-correct for Nevermind sessions)	7
Breed · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Competition Mustang	Fender Bassman 6G6-A/B (blonde era, piggyback head/cab)	7.5
Breed · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper (Krist Novoselic's main bass during Nevermind era, but also possible Fender Precision Bass on some tracks)	Ampeg SVT (classic tube head, 8x10 cab, as confirmed for Nevermind sessions)	0
Breed (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1990s, likely Japanese reissue, as used by Kurt Cobain on Live & Loud)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22+ (used live for Live & Loud era, 1993)	8
Breed (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely 1991 Japanese reissue, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live at the Paramount)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (as used live by Cobain in 1991)	7
Breed (Rough Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Competition Blue, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (as per Nevermind studio sessions)	8
Come As You Are · solo	Solo · clean	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, likely Japanese reissue, as used on Nevermind sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp (studio recording, Nevermind era, 1991)	0
Come As You Are · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Thunderbird IV	Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ into Mesa/Boogie Road Ready 4x10 and 2x15 cabinets (Nevermind era); possible DI blend	0
Come As You Are (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, left-handed, stock single coils)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 1960AV 4x12 Cabinet	6.5
Come As You Are (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	Martin D-18E (modified with Bartolini pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, miked for PA)	0
Come As You Are (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, left-handed, stock pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Live & Loud 1993 setup)	3
Come As You Are (Remastered) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified, used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, Nevermind era)	0
Curmudgeon · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups, likely used for 'Curmudgeon' studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp (as used by Cobain for B-sides and Nevermind outtakes, including 'Curmudgeon')	7.5
Dive (Smart Sessions) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Randall solid-state head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	7.5
Drain You · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT (likely blue-line or SVT Classic, as used on Nevermind sessions)	0
Drain You · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, likely 1965, used for distorted sections on Nevermind)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, studio recording amp for Nevermind sessions)	7.5
Drain You · solo	Solo · clean	Fender Stratocaster (likely 1965 reissue, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Fender Bassman (silverface, late 60s/early 70s, studio recording)	0
Drain You (Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Unknown solid-state or tube combo (exact model not confirmed for demo; likely small home amp or practice amp typical of Cobain's demos)	7
Drain You (Live & Loud) · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT-400T	0
Drain You (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (Live & Loud, 1993, blue finish)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cab)	8
Drain You (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender 1993 Custom Telecaster	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (direct to PA/power amp, no traditional guitar amp used for clean sections on Live & Loud)	0
Drain You (Live At Del Mar Fairgrounds, CA., December 28, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, likely 1973 Competition Blue, modified with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp + Crown Power Base 2 power amp into Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	8
Drain You (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock single coils, right-handed, lefty-strung)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 60s/early 70s, live backline)	0
Drain You (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Mesa/Boogie Bass Amp (exact model not specified, likely D-180 or 400+ based on era and live photos)	0
Drain You (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely Competition Blue, left-handed, with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp + Crown Power Amp into Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	7
Dumb · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 60s/early 70s)	5.5
Dumb · riff	Riff · clean	1991 Fender Mustang (left-handed, Competition Blue, stock single coil in neck, Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in bridge)	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s, Utah speakers, studio recording at Pachyderm Studios)	0
Dumb (Instrumental Demo) · riff	Riff · clean	Martin D-18E (modified, likely unplugged, acoustic section)	None (acoustic, no amp used in demo recording)	2
Endless, Nameless · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Stratocaster (Japanese, black, smashed during recording)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	0
Endless, Nameless · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Stratocaster (left-handed, likely stock single coils, smashed at end of take)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording setup for Nevermind)	9
Endless, Nameless (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups, right-handed, left-handed stringing)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Live at Pier 48, 1993)	0
Endless, Nameless (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Mustang (likely 1990s reissue, sunburst, as seen at Paramount 1991)	Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet (head likely Marshall JCM800, as per live rig for this era)	9
Even In His Youth (B-Side) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely Competition model, 1970s, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind B-sides)	Fender Bassman (6G6-A/B, vintage blonde/blackface, as used on Nevermind studio sessions)	6.5
Floyd the Barber · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22	8
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modded, used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)	Hiwatt Custom 100 DR103 (modded, used for In Utero studio recording)	4
Gallons of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through the Strip · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Vandalism Stratocaster (MIJ ST-362, 1980s, 'Vandalism' sticker)	Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	6.5
Hairspray Queen · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, late 1970s model)	8
Heart-Shaped Box (2023 Remaster) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Competition Mustang	Fender '65 Twin Reverb (Quad Reverb also cited as possible studio amp)	7
Here She Comes Now (Smart Sessions) · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, early 1970s, Smart Studios house amp)	5.5
In Bloom · riff	Riff · clean	Fender 1969 Competition Mustang	Fender Bassman head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet	0
In Bloom · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender 1965 Jaguar (modified, black finish, DiMarzio DP103 PAF in bridge, stock single coil in neck)	Fender Bassman head (silverface, late 1960s/early 1970s) into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cab	8
In Bloom · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT-400T (solid-state head) into Mesa/Boogie 2x15 cabs	6
Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang MG69 (left-handed, 1991 Japanese reissue, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live at the Paramount 1991)	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers	0
Lake of Fire (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · distorted	1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric	Fender Twin Reverb (used as monitor, not direct to PA)	3
Lithium · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper Bass	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-400T or SVT Classic, with Mesa/Boogie 2x15 cabs)	0
Lithium · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, likely 1971, with stock pickups)	Fender Bassman (6G6-A/B, vintage blonde piggyback head, through Marshall 4x12 cab with Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	7
Lithium (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	1965 Fender Jaguar (left-handed, modified with DiMarzio PAF and Super Distortion pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
Lithium (Live In Amsterdam At Paradiso, November 25, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Japan MG-69 Mustang (sunburst, stock pickups, right-handed, flipped lefty, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1991 live shows)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp + Crown Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (live rig, 1991)	0
Lounge Act · riff	Riff · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	6.5
Lounge Act · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL) with 8x10 cab	6
Lounge Act (Boombox Rehearsals) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jaguar (1966, modified with DiMarzio PAF and DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups, Tune-o-matic bridge)	Vox AC30	6
Lounge Act (Devonshire Mix) · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT (likely 1970s/early 90s model, classic 8x10 cab)	0
Love Buzz · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT-400T (solid state, 1990s model)	0
Love Buzz · solo	Solo · distorted	Greco Mustang (with Univox Hi-Flier humbucker in bridge position)	Randall solid state combo amp	7.5
Love Buzz (Live In Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (late 1970s, left-handed, stock pickups, white finish)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	8
Marigold (2023 Remaster) · riff	Riff · clean	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (late 1970s, white, stock pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (studio recording, 1988-1989 Bleach sessions)	0
Mexican Seafood · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Randall solid-state combo (likely RG-120), or Fender Twin Reverb (studio, early Nirvana era)	7.5
Milk It · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, competition blue, stock pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (studio recording, In Utero 1993)	8.5
Moist Vagina (2013 Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	1965 Fender Jaguar (modded with DiMarzio PAF neck and DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge)	Fender Quad Reverb (half-broken, only one power tube working)	7.5
Moist Vagina (Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, likely competition or sunburst, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1993-94 demos)	Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, studio amp at Robert Lang Studios)	8
Molly's Lips (BBC John Peel Session 1990) · riff	Riff · distorted	Unbranded/K Records Stratocaster-style guitar	Mesa Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp into Marshall Cabinets	6.5
Mr. Moustache · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270 (red, 1970s, stock single coil pickups)	Randall solid-state head (likely RG-120), BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	8
Mr. Mustache (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (Black Tune-O-Matic Strat or Vandalism Strat, as used by Kurt Cobain on Bleach sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Bleach studio setup, inferred from era and known recording setup)	7
Negative Creep · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270	Fender Twin Reverb (studio, borrowed from Jack Endino)	8
Negative Creep (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Japan MG-69/Mustang reissue (1990s, Competition Blue, stock pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	0
Negative Creep (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	1965 Fender Jaguar (modified, black finish, humbucker in bridge position, stock single coil in neck)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	8
Old Age (Nevermind Outtake) · riff	Riff · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet	6.5
On A Plain · riff	Riff · distorted	Mosrite Gospel Mk IV	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp (with Marshall 4x12 cab, studio recording)	6.5
On A Plain · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT (likely Blue Line or SVT-II, classic 8x10 cab)	6
On a Plain (Devonshire Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Stratocaster (likely 'Vandalism' Strat, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Mesa Boogie Studio .22+ (studio recording, Nevermind Devonshire Mix sessions, 1991)	6.5
On a Plain (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	Martin D-18E (1959, modified with Bartolini pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, mic'd for PA)	2.5
Paper Cuts · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Randall RG-120 solid-state head	8
Pennyroyal Tea · solo	Solo · distorted	Harmony Stella 12-string acoustic (mic'd and/or with piezo pickup, possibly double-tracked with lefty Ibanez Les Paul Custom copy electric for solo)	Fender Twin Reverb (1977-1982, Blackface, studio recording)	6.5
Pennyroyal Tea · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (left-handed, early 1970s, likely Competition Blue)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinets	0
Pennyroyal Tea · riff	Riff · distorted	Stella 12-string acoustic (studio), likely with pickup for electric parts; possible use of Fender Mustang or Japanese Strat (electric overdubs, but not confirmed for riff section)	Fender Quad Reverb (studio, with broken output tubes per Steve Albini); possible use of Mesa/Boogie Studio preamp + Crown power amp + Marshall 4x12 (not confirmed for this song's riff section)	5
Plateau (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	Martin D-18E (1959, modified with Bartolini and DeArmond pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, 1970s, combo amp, mic'd on stage)	2
Polly · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT (likely, based on era and Novoselic's typical rig)	0
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter · solo	Solo · distorted	1991-1993 Fender Mustang (likely Sky Blue, as used on In Utero sessions)	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/amp sim direct to board, not a traditional amp head/cab)	9
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (left-handed, early 1990s, likely blue finish)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinets	0
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-CL or SVT-II, classic 8x10 cab)	0
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jag-Stang Prototype (1993, left-handed, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live and Loud)	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/amp simulator direct to PA, Live and Loud 1993)	8.5
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (Fiesta Red, 1993 custom model)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp (live rig, 1993)	0
Rape Me (2013 Mix) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 1990s, likely 1991-1993 model, as used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1960s/1970s, used in studio for clean tones on In Utero)	0
Rape Me (Demo) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, left-handed, likely stock single coils)	Marshall Plexi 1959SLP (Frankenstein modded, as used in In Utero demo sessions)	0
Rape Me (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely 1991-1993 model, as used by Kurt Cobain at Live & Loud)	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/distortion) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, into Marshall 1960AV 4x12 cabinet	7.5
Rape Me (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · clean	1993 Fender Custom Telecaster	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (used as preamp/amp simulator direct to PA or power amp)	0
Rape Me (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · distorted	1993 Fender Custom Telecaster	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
Rape Me (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · clean	1993 Fender Custom Telecaster (blue, known as 'Blue Courtney')	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s silverface, 4x12 combo)	0
Rape Me (Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena - January 7, 1994) · riff	Riff · distorted	1993 Fender Custom Telecaster	Marshall 1960AV 4x12 cabinet (head not explicitly confirmed, but likely a Marshall solid-state or tube head as per In Utero tour and Live and Loud sources)	5.5
s · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1990s, likely blue or sunburst, as used on Nevermind)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, Nevermind, 1991)	7.5
Sappy · riff	Riff · clean	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s 4x12 combo, studio recording)	0
Sappy · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender Bassman (likely silverface, studio recording)	6.5
Sappy (1990 Studio Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flyer Phase 3 (humbucker version)	Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp	7
Sappy (2013 Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender '65 Quad Reverb	6.5
Sappy (2023 Remaster) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jaguar (likely 1965 or early 70s, as used by Kurt Cobain on In Utero sessions)	Fender Quad Reverb	7
Sappy (2023 Remaster) · solo	Solo · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb	7
Sappy (2023 Remaster) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jaguar (early 70s, likely stock single coils)	Fender Quad Reverb	0
Sappy (Smart Sessions) · riff	Riff · clean	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	1960s Lecrolab R600C 70 Watt Combo Amp	0
Scentless Apprentice · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22	8
Scentless Apprentice (Live In Seattle, WA., December 13, 1993) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar (1993, modified, likely bridge humbucker)	Mesa Boogie Studio .22+ (into Marshall 4x12 cabinet, live rig)	8
School (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Mustang (left-handed, 1991, black finish, stock or Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (set clean/bright) → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet	6.5
Scoff · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (single-coil pickups, likely white or sunburst, as used on Bleach sessions)	Randall solid-state head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet	7.5
Serve the Servants · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Electric XII (mid-60s sunburst, right-handed, dot neck)	Sunn Beta Lead 2x12 combo	0
Serve the Servants · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, likely Competition Blue, as used on In Utero sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown power amp into Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
Serve the Servants (Live at Pier 48, Seattle, WA, 12/13/93) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (Sonic Blue, 1993, with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in bridge)	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s, 4x12 combo, used for distortion via volume)	7.5
Sifting · riff	Riff · distorted	Epiphone ET-270 (red, late 1970s Japanese-made)	Sunn Beta Lead 200-Watt Head into 2x12 cabinet	7
Sliver · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (likely Japanese model, as used by Kurt Cobain in 1990 studio sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	0
Sliver · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 1970s, Competition Blue, stock bridge pickup)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinet	7
Smells Like Teen Spirit · solo	Solo · clean	Fender Stratocaster (likely Japanese, black, with Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinets	0
Smells Like Teen Spirit · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT-200T	5
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Boombox Rehearsals) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (likely Japanese, early 1990s, as used by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind demos and rehearsals)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22+ (preamp) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet	7
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	6.5
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live at The Paramount, 1991) · riff	Riff · clean	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster (left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel, clean), Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers	0
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (likely 1969 Competition, left-handed, stock single coil bridge pickup)	Tech 21 SansAmp Classic (amp modeler, Mesa setting) into Crest 4801 Power Amp and Marshall 4x12 cabinets	4.5
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live In Seattle, Seattle Center Arena - January 7, 1994) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Stratocaster (early '90s, left-handed, rosewood neck, Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers)	6.5
Something In The Way · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Vox AC30 (used in Nevermind sessions per Butch Vig interview)	4.5
Son of a Gun (BBC John Peel Session 1990) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (likely Japanese, early 90s, possibly the 'K Records Strat')	Mesa Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp, into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet	6.5
Spank Thru (Live At Pine Street Theatre) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3	Randall Commander RG-300 Head into 2x12 cabinet	7
Stay Away · riff	Riff · clean	Early-'90s Japanese Fender Stratocaster	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet	0
Stay Away · clean	Clean · clean	Fender Precision Bass	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL, classic 1970s/early 90s model)	0
Territorial Pissings · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (likely 1965, as used on Nevermind sessions)	Neve Console direct input (DI), possibly with Fender Bassman or Mesa/Boogie preamp coloration	7
Territorial Pissings · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Gibson RD Artist Bass	Ampeg SVT (most likely, based on era and Novoselic's known rig for Nevermind sessions)	7
Territorial Pissings (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japanese Stratocaster (likely 1989-1991, black, with single-coil pickups, possibly swapped bridge humbucker, but for this song likely stock single-coil)	Direct to mixing console (no amp used on studio recording, distortion from pedal and console overdrive)	9
The Man Who Sold the World (Live & Loud) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, left-handed, stock pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 cabinet	5.5
The Man Who Sold the World (Live & Loud) · solo	Solo · distorted	Fender Jaguar (early 1960s, modified, used by Kurt Cobain for Live & Loud 1993)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s, used live)	4.5
The Man Who Sold the World (Live & Loud) · clean	Clean · clean	Gibson Ripper	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-400T or SVT Classic) with Mesa/Boogie 2x15 cabs	0
The Man Who Sold the World (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	1959 Martin D-18E (modified with Bartolini 3AV soundhole pickup)	Direct Input (DI) to mixing console (no guitar amp used live on MTV Unplugged)	0
The Man Who Sold the World (Live Acoustic) · solo	Solo · distorted	Martin D-18E (1959, modified with Bartolini 3AV and DeArmond pickups, but only Bartolini active for Unplugged)	Fender Twin Reverb Silverface (late 1960s/early 1970s, likely '68-69 drip edge model)	3.5
The Man Who Sold The World (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Custom Telecaster (1993, Kurt Cobain's main live electric at this show)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp (live rack setup, 1993 tour)	4
The Man Who Sold The World (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender 1993 Custom Telecaster	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 60s/70s reissue, used for clean tone live)	2.5
The Man Who Sold The World (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993) · solo	Solo · distorted	Martin D-18E (1960s, modified with Bartolini 3AV soundhole pickup, stock DeArmond pickups inactive for this show)	Fender Twin Reverb Silverface	4
The Money Will Roll Right In (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Japan Standard Stratocaster Left Handed (with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp (Live at Reading 1992 typical setup, but not 100% confirmed for this song)	7.5
Tourette's · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, stock pickups)	Fender Quad Reverb (1970s, silverface, 4x12 combo)	8
Tourette's (Live at Reading, 08/30/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	1965 Fender Jaguar (modified, DiMarzio DP103 PAF in neck, DiMarzio Super Distortion in bridge, black finish, dual humbuckers, tune-o-matic bridge, Gotoh tailpiece)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 cabinet	7.5
tourette's (Live In New York, Roseland Ballroom - July 23, 1993) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (Fiesta Red, Seymour Duncan JB Jr. in bridge)	Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 head into Hiwatt LS 4x12 cabinet	0
Verse Chorus Verse (Outtake) · riff	Riff · clean	1965 Fender Jaguar (sunburst, left-handed, with DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup and DiMarzio PAF neck pickup)	Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base-2 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabinets	0
Verse Chorus Verse (Outtake) · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (likely Japanese or Mexican, with Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker mod)	Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 4x12 cabinets	7
Very Ape (Live In Rome, Palaghiaccio Di Marino - February 22, 1994) · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Mustang (early 70s, competition finish, stock pickups)	Sunn Beta Lead (solid state combo, live rig, 1994 In Utero tour)	0
Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live Acoustic) · riff	Riff · clean	1959 Martin D-18E (modified with Bartolini and DeArmond pickups, strung with light gauge strings)	Fender 1982 Twin Reverb Blackface	0
Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live Acoustic) · solo	Solo · distorted	1959 Martin D-18E (modified with Bartolini 3AV and DeArmond pickups, plus piezo under-saddle pickup)	Fender Twin Reverb (silverface, miked for PA/recording)	2.5
You Know You're Right · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Jag-Stang (1993, Sonic Blue, stock pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s)	7.5
You Know You're Right · riff	Riff · clean	Fender Jag-Stang (1995, Sonic Blue, stock pickups)	Fender Twin Reverb (Silverface, late 1970s/early 1980s, studio recording)	0
You Know You're Right (Home Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	Univox Hi-Flier (Earnie Bailey reworked, studio loaner)	Marshall JMP 50 Watt (studio amp at Robert Lang Studios)	7

Nirvana songs on popular amps

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use for these songs on their own amps.

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Frequently asked questions

What amp did Nirvana use?

Across 135 researched songs, the amps that come up most are Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel) → Crown Power Base 2 power amp → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speakers) (3 songs), Randall solid-state head into BFI Bullfrog 4x12 cabinet (3 songs), Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Preamp into Crown Power Base 2 Power Amp into Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (3 songs), Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp, Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet (3 songs).

What guitar did Nirvana use?

Most often: Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (22 songs), Gibson RD Artist Bass (9 songs), Epiphone ET-270 (6 songs), Gibson Ripper (6 songs).

How do I get Nirvana's tone on my amp?

Open any Nirvana song below to see the original gear and settings, then use ToneAdapt to adapt them to your own guitar, amp, pickups and pedals.