Solo Tone

The Man Who Sold the World (Live Acoustic)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarMartin D-18E (1959, modified with Bartolini 3AV and DeArmond pickups, but only Bartolini active for Unplugged)

AmpFender Twin Reverb Silverface (late 1960s/early 1970s, likely '68-69 drip edge model)

PickupsBartolini 3AV soundhole pickup (active), DeArmond pickups (inactive for this performance)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus

Notes

Live performance (MTV Unplugged in New York, 1993). Acoustic guitar run through Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion and EHX Small Clone chorus into a Fender Twin Reverb amp. The DeArmond pickups were not active for this show; only the Bartolini was used. Amp was hidden offstage. Effects and amp settings inferred from multiple forum and gear sources specific to this performance.

Tone Character(10)

gritty acoustic-electric edgemodulated chorus shimmerclear and articulate attackwarm midrange presenceslightly compressed dynamicstouch-sensitive responsemild breakup on peaksdepth from amp reverbswirling, textured solo tonenot fully clean, but not high-gain

Difficulty

The solo is not technically demanding in terms of speed or advanced techniques, but controlling feedback on a distorted acoustic and maintaining clarity through chorus and reverb effects requires intermediate-level control and touch.

Sources

[Discussion] Kurt Cobain's tone on "The Man Who Sold the World" : r/Guitar Nirvana Unplugged guitar sound? - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar Kurt Cobain's Guitar Rig, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Using Distortion with an Acoustic Guitar: Best Practices | Guitar World

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account