Riff Tone

Sappy (1990 Studio Demo)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarUnivox Hi-Flyer Phase 3 (humbucker version)

AmpMesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp

PickupsStock Univox Hi-Flyer humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7

treble6.5

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionMesa Boogie Distortion (amp gain, no pedal confirmed)

Notes

Studio recording, 1990, Reciprocal Recording demo. Guitar and amp confirmed for this era and session by Jack Endino and multiple gear sources. Not live rig. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this take.

Tone Character(10)

thick, saturated distortionmid-forward punchraw, gritty attackcompressed sustaintight palm mutingslightly scooped lowsminimal ambiencelo-fi, unpolishedaggressive power chordsdistinct grunge texture

Difficulty

The riff requires solid palm muting and aggressive strumming with quick power chord transitions, but no advanced techniques or complex rhythms.

Sources

Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Kurt Cobain gear on sappy?Kurt Cobain's guitars, amps & pedals: the definitive guide | Guitar World

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