Smell like teen spirit amp settings — Fender Mustang LT25
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smell like teen spirit”, dialed in for a Fender Mustang LT25 with a Yamaha Pacifica 112V. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — main distorted riff and chorus tone
Fender Stratocaster (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) into Boss DS-1 Distortion, Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (clean Rhythm channel), Crown Power Base 2, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
The Mustang LT25's 'Metal 2000' model emulates the high-gain Mesa saturation Cobain captured from his Mesa Studio Preamp pushed by the DS-1. Keep the mid control pulled back slightly to recreate the classic Nevermind scoop while pushing treble to 7 to replicate the aggressive upper-mid bite of the Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup on your Pacifica's bridge humbucker. Clean verse: switch to the 'Fender Clean' model (or roll guitar volume back to 3-4 and select the middle pickup).
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Fender Mustang LT25. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.