Paranoid android amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Kurt cobain guitar tone for “Paranoid android”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Fender Modified. Studio version, OK Computer (1997) — focusing on the heavy distorted section starting at 2:42
Fender Telecaster Plus (Lace Sensor pickups) → Marshall Shredmaster → Vox AC30 / Fender Eighty-Five, Digitech Whammy for pitch shifts
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Boss DS-1
The DS-1 replaces the Marshall Shredmaster — both share aggressive, scooped voicing. This is your primary gain source.
02Digitech Whammy
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Set to +1 octave for the pitch-shifted section after the solo. Essential for authenticity.
The Katana Crunch channel approximates the AC30's breakup character. Amp gain is set low (2) because the DS-1 provides all distortion — stacking both would create mud. The Shredmaster was scooped and fizzy; the DS-1 with Tone at 4 and high Dist replicates that raw, lo-fi aggression. Mids dropped to 4 to match the intentionally hollow, 90s alternative voicing.
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These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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