What guitar did Kurt Cobain play?

Kurt Cobain famously played a variety of guitars throughout his career, but the guitar most closely associated with him is his 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic. The guitar was notable for its unusual modified electronics and tonal capabilities. He also used a Fender Jaguar and Mustang, both vintage 1965 models, as well as a 1960s Mosrite Gospel model electric 12 string.

Overview of Kurt Cobain’s Musical Career and Impact

Kurt Cobain’s influence on the world of music has been profound, with his talent and creativity inspiring fans worldwide. A major part of Cobain’s appeal was his unique playing style, which often featured intricate lead guitar riffs that he would play live in concert. His preferred instrument was a Fender Mustang electric guitar, but this wasn’t always the case; earlier in his career, Kurt could be seen playing an array of guitars from various manufacturers including Gibson and Kramer.

Cobain also had a natural affinity for acoustic guitars. His well-known cover of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” Off Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance showcased his mastery over the acoustic guitar. Despite primarily performing on electric instruments during concerts with Nirvana, Kurt Cobain performed frequently on acoustic sets for solo projects as well as one-off performances like at the Rock Against Rape benefit show in 1993 where he accompanied Hole vocalist Courtney Love onstage.

Kurt Cobain is still remembered fondly by many to this day thanks to his iconic songwriting and unmistakable sound which blended punk rock influences with grunge elements creating something truly original and timeless that continues to captivate new generations of music lovers worldwide.

Nirvana’s Early Guitar Choices and Their Influence on Cobain’s Sound

Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, helped revolutionize the music scene in the early 1990s. Before they hit mainstream success and went on tour, Nirvana was a trio playing shows in small venues around Seattle. What many people don’t know is that at this time Cobain had already begun experimenting with different guitars to find his sound.

At their very first gig in 1987 for just 30 people, Cobain played an Ovation Pacemaker guitar – a copy of a Gibson Les Paul Custom but made of cheaper materials and sold at much more affordable prices. The Pacemaker was popular among punk rockers as it produced bright and edgy sounds ideal for these genres. It’s possible that Cobain used the Pacemaker to help create his signature distorted tones as he experimented with effects pedals like distortion boxes and wah-wah pedals.

In 1988, Nirvana started recording their debut album ‘Bleach’. For this project, Cobain opted for an unusual choice: a Hagstrom Blue Sparkle Deluxe electric guitar. This relatively unknown instrument became known within alternative circles thanks to its unique sound; bold yet smooth tone achieved through two high output pickups combined with some built-in distortion controls on the body itself meant that it produced both powerful riffs and softer melodic passages which heavily influenced their sound from then onwards.

Evolution of Cobain’s Preferred Guitar Model: Fender Mustang vs. Jaguar

Kurt Cobain’s pioneering spirit changed the face of music forever, and his unique guitar playing style had a significant part to play in shaping the sound of alternative rock. Through extensive interviews, we have identified two distinct models that Cobain heavily favored; the Fender Mustang and Jaguar.

The Fender Mustang first entered Cobain’s life in the early 90’s during his brief stint with San Francisco-based band ‘Tad’. It is speculated that this is when he acquired his black mustang model – one of many to appear on stage throughout Nirvana’s career. This instrument was most famously used for 1992 MTV Unplugged session and made an impactful contribution to their ‘Nevermind’ album as well as their B-side recordings.

The second major model featured regularly in Cobain’s repertoire was the Fender Jaguar – appearing live from 1993 onwards and making its way onto numerous album tracks including ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. Many assumed this jaguar must have been acquired after they achieved fame however recently uncovered footage suggests Kurt already owned this model prior to Nevermind being released.

Ultimately both these guitars provided a suitable backdrop for Cobain’s musical journey and still remain popular choices amongst modern day musicians attempting to emulate that iconic grunge tone.

Unique Customizations to Cobain’s Guitars and Their Role in His Music

As one of the most famous rockstars of all time, Kurt Cobain had a unique approach to playing the guitar. Not only did he master the instrument, but he also customised it in various ways to bring out specific sounds and tones that would become trademarks of his music.

One such modification was done on an iconic Fender Stratocaster, which Cobain named ‘Marilyn Monroe’. He painted this guitar red and added several extra pickguards for more versatility during soloing. This created a distinct sound that can be heard on tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. In addition to this, Cobain often installed pickups from Gibson guitars into Fenders to achieve what he called ‘the perfect tone’ – something that was central to many of Nirvana’s songs.

Kurt had other tricks up his sleeve too. He would often re-string his guitars upside down with heavy gauge strings in order to get even more powerful riffs and solos. All these customizations combined with Cobain’s natural talent made him one of the greatest guitar players ever known and gave Nirvana their signature sound.

Current Status of Cobain’s Guitars and Their Significance for Fans

Though Kurt Cobain tragically died more than a quarter of a century ago, the guitars he used during his career with Nirvana are still remembered and adored. His iconic 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar, later known as “the Unplugged Guitar,” was gifted to him by singer/songwriter Courtney Love on his 27th birthday. This guitar is perhaps the most recognizable instrument associated with Cobain; its unique design boasts two humbucking pickups and an onboard preamp. It featured in Nirvana’s historic MTV Unplugged performance and its signature sound has become part of music history. The original guitar was reportedly sold at auction for close to $6 million in 2020 – testament to how beloved it remains among fans today.

Cobain played a green Fender Mustang electric guitar while recording Bleach (Nirvana’s debut studio album). Later on, during their 1992 tour promoting Nevermind, Cobain frequently used a modified version of this same model – now painted red – which featured some unusual embellishments such as extra strings and holes cut into its body for feedback control. While this particular instrument was not sold publicly until 2019, it nonetheless retains huge significance for devotees of the band who view it as an important symbol of their idol’s creativity and artistry.

Today, any fan can easily recreate both these legendary looks thanks to various modern replicas produced by companies such as Fender or Gibson under license from Nirvana LLC; however these mass produced models cannot quite replicate the aura that surrounds their original counterparts – making them alluring collector’s items to many admirers around the world.