Solo Tone

The Man Who Sold The World (Live In Los Angeles, Great Western Forum - December 30, 1993)

Nirvana

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarMartin D-18E (1960s, modified with Bartolini 3AV soundhole pickup, stock DeArmond pickups inactive for this show)

AmpFender Twin Reverb Silverface

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

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion

chorusElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus

Notes

Live performance, December 30, 1993, Great Western Forum, Los Angeles. Used for MTV Unplugged tour and this show. The Bartolini pickup was the only active pickup; the DeArmonds were not used. Signal chain confirmed as Martin D-18E → Boss DS-2 → EHX Small Clone → Fender Twin Reverb. No evidence of additional pedals or amp effects beyond spring reverb.

Tone Character(10)

slightly gritty edge-of-breakupclear note separationmild breakup with acoustic resonanceopen, jangly attackmodulated shimmer from chorusdynamic response to pickingwarm but present midrangenot heavily saturateddistinct chorus swirl audible in solotouch-sensitive, responds to picking intensity

Difficulty

The solo is technically straightforward but requires careful control of dynamics and feedback due to the acoustic-electric setup with distortion and chorus. Phrasing and pedal use are more important than speed or advanced technique.