GuitarDistortedRiff
All Apologies Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana
Nirvana · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Fender Mustang (early 70s, Competition Blue, likely with Seymour Duncan JB in bridge)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan JB (bridge humbucker)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'In Utero' (1993). SansAmp Classic used as main distortion in front of amp. Guitar was most likely the Mustang with bridge humbucker for the heavy riff. No evidence of live/tour gear or alternate guitars for this specific part.
Amp Settings
Mids8
Bass6
Gain6.5
Reverb2
Treble6
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Tech 21 SansAmp Classic · distortion
Fender Mustang (bridge humbucker) → Tech 21 SansAmp Classic → Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp → Crown Power Amp → Marshall 4x12 Cabinet (light spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- thick and saturated
- aggressive midrange focus
- tight, punchy low end
- slightly compressed
- minimal ambience
- clear note separation
- dry, in-your-face studio sound
- articulate attack
- not overly bright
- full-bodied power chord sound