Distorted Tone

Breed

Nirvana

Bassrock1990s

Original Gear

BassGibson RD Artist Bass

AmpAmpeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT Classic, era-correct for Nevermind sessions)

PickupsDual humbuckers (active Moog electronics, but often run passive)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid6

treble6

presence6

compression3.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co RAT 2

Notes

Studio recording, Nevermind album, 1991. Krist Novoselic used the Gibson RD Artist Bass and Ampeg SVT for both studio and live performances of 'Breed'.

Tone Character(9)

aggressive pick attackgritty, saturated overdrivemid-scooped, punchy lowsclanky upper midsfuzzy, compressed sustaincutting through dense guitarsraw, punk-inspired driveslightly metallic edgenotably present in the mix

Difficulty

The part is fast and requires tight, aggressive pick playing, but is rhythmically straightforward and repetitive, making it accessible for intermediate players.

Sources

Nirvana – Live At The Paramount - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Krist Novoselic (Of Nirvana) Bass Tone - Reddit Recreating the bass tone of 'Breed' by Nirvana - Reddit

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