Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — Boss GT-1
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a Boss GT-1 with a Jackson JS22 Dinky. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — main distorted riff and chorus
Fender Stratocaster (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) into Boss DS-1 Distortion into Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm clean channel) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 1 |
| Master | 7 |
01DS-1 Distortion (OD/DS block)
Primary gain source running directly into clean preamp model
02Chorus (FX1/MOD block)
Bypass for main riff and chorus; engage for the clean verses
Per the double-gain rule, the GT-1's CLEAN TWIN preamp stays clean at gain 2 while the onboard DS-1 block supplies the signature clipping. The Jackson JS22 ceramic bridge humbucker matches Kurt's hot Seymour Duncan JB output, so mid EQ is pulled back to 4 to replicate the Mesa Studio Preamp's scooped curve. Clean verse: bypass the DS-1 block, chorus block on.
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These settings are for a Boss GT-1. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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