Paper Cuts — Nirvana1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff

Paper Cuts Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Nirvana

Nirvana · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3
Pickups
Univox P-90 style single coils
Amp
Randall RG-120 solid-state head
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1988-1989, Bleach album sessions. Guitar and amp confirmed for 'Paper Cuts' riff section. No evidence of additional pedals or effects beyond distortion from amp. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for this recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
8
Reverb
0
Treble
6.5
Presence
5.5

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Tone Character

  • raw and aggressive
  • heavy fuzz-like distortion
  • sludgy and thick
  • percussive low end
  • scratchy attack
  • unpolished, abrasive texture
  • minimal clarity
  • compressed and saturated
  • loose, gritty sound
  • mid-scooped but not hollow

Sources