Solo Tone

Heart-Shaped Box

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flier Phase 3

AmpFender Twin Reverb II (Rivera era, early 1980s)

PickupsHumbucker (stock Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 bridge pickup)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Polychorus

distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion

Notes

Studio recording, 1993. Specific to the solo section of 'Heart-Shaped Box' on In Utero. The solo on the final album mix does NOT use the extreme ring modulator/tremolo effect from Albini's original mix, but does use modulation (Polychorus) and distortion. Guitar confirmed by multiple sources as Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3. Amp confirmed by studio photos and tech interviews as Fender Twin Reverb II (Rivera).

Tone Character(10)

swirling modulationgritty edge-of-breakup amp tonebendy, seasick pitch movementraw and unpolishednot overly compressedloose, expressive phrasingmodulated, detuned solo soundmedium sustainslightly scooped mids but not metal-likedistinct separation from rhythm tone

Difficulty

The solo is not technically complex in terms of speed or note density, but requires expressive bending, control over feedback and modulation, and dynamic picking to match the raw, swirling studio tone.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard Nirvana – In Utero - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Kurt Cobain's mystery In Utero amp finally revealed

This tone has been researched 3 times by the community

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