On a plain amp settings — Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV
The Nirvana guitar tone for “On a plain”, dialed in for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV with a Harley Benton SC-Custom II. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — tracked live with Bassman amp
Fender Bassman, Boss DS-1 (Tone ~10 o'clock, Dist 4, Level maxed), Mosrite Gospel Mk IV or Fender Mustang with stock pickups
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01Boss DS-1 Distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is essential for the Nevermind tone. The DS-1 was Kurt's primary gain source. Without it, use the amp settings below, but expect a cleaner, less buzzy result.
Your Hot Rod Deluxe has more scooped mids and a tighter low-end than the loose, saggy Bassman Kurt used. Push mids to 6 to compensate for the Fender scoop and get closer to that nasal grind. Without a DS-1, the Drive channel at 6 gets you in the ballpark but lacks the buzzy, compressed clipping Kurt's tone had — the amp alone will sound cleaner and more defined. Roll tone knob to 7 to tame the HRD's bright treble shelf.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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