Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — Fender Mustang LT25
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a Fender Mustang LT25 with a Squier Stratocaster. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic main riff and chorus tone
Fender Stratocaster (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker), Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (clean) into Crown Power Base 2 power amp, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab, Boss DS-1 Distortion, Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Orangebox (DS-1 style Stomp Block)
Engage onboard LT25 stomp block in front of the amp model
02Small Clone Chorus (Chorus Block)
Bypass for main riff/chorus; engage for clean verse
The Mustang LT25 uses the 'Metal 2000' amp model paired with the onboard 'Orangebox' distortion block to replicate Kurt's high-gain Boss DS-1 running into a cranked power section without needing external pedals. On a standard single-coil Squier Strat bridge pickup, bass is pushed slightly to 6 and treble is kept at 7 to recreate the thicker punch of Cobain's bridge humbucker. Clean verse: bypass the Orangebox distortion block and engage the onboard Chorus block on the neck pickup.
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These settings are for a Fender Mustang LT25. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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