Drain You amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Drain You”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL40CR with a Gibson Explorer. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) - Main distorted rhythm track
Fender '65 Jaguar / '69 Mustang with bridge humbucker, Boss DS-1 / ProCo Rat, Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp into Crown Power Amp & Fender Bassman
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss DS-1 Distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; with pedal, switch amp to Classic Gain Clean and drop gain to 2
Without external distortion pedals, the DSL40CR relies on the Ultra Gain OD1 channel pushed to 7 to replicate the thick multi-tracked Mesa preamp wall of sound. The Gibson Explorer's mahogany body and hot humbuckers provide ample low-end push, so keep mids neutral at 5 and treble at 6 to maintain bite without Marshall top-end fizz. Clean verse: roll guitar volume back to 4 or switch to the Classic Gain channel.
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These settings are for a Marshall DSL40CR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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