Smells like teen spirit amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells like teen spirit”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Yamaha Pacifica 012. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic main riff and chorus distortion
Fender Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker, Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm clean), Crown Power Base 2, Marshall 1960B 4x12, Boss DS-1, EHX Small Clone
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
02Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned (engage for clean intro/verse)
Kurt ran a Boss DS-1 directly into the clean channel of a Mesa preamp rather than generating distortion from the amp. On the Katana 50 MkII, set the Amp Type to Clean with gain dropped to 2 to serve as a clean pedal platform and prevent double-gain mud. The Pacifica 012 bridge humbucker provides the required high-output drive, while pushing mids to 7 maintains punch through the Katana's neutral speaker.
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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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