Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — Orange Crush 20
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a Orange Crush 20 with a Samick Stratocaster (1997). Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic distorted main riff / chorus
Fender Stratocaster (Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker) -> Boss DS-1 -> EHX Small Clone -> Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Clean/Rhythm) -> Crown Power Base 2 -> Marshall 1960B 4x12
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Master | 6 |
02Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned (engage for clean verses/solo)
Because Kurt's signature tone relies entirely on hard-clipping pedal distortion into a pristine clean preamp, a Boss DS-1 is recommended into the Orange Clean channel with amp gain kept low. The Orange Crush 20 naturally has thick low-mids and an 8-inch speaker, so bass is cut to 4 and treble pushed to 7 to replicate the aggressive top-end bite without flubbing out. If playing without pedals, switch to the Dirty channel with gain around 8, though a dedicated DS-1 is crucial for authentic Nevermind dynamics.
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These settings are for a Orange Crush 20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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