History of Kurt Cobain's Unplugged Guitar & How I Replicated It | Nirvana Guitar History Episode 3

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Like what I do? Buy me a coffee so I can stay awake while I mix audio and edit videos 😴 www.buymeacoffee.com/nirvanaguitars

[@JoFuSoA]

Wow! Appreciate your work!

[@stephanb3544]

Wouah fantastic 👏 job !!

[@pat1589]

I sat next to Kurt on a flight Chicago to LA in late '91. He was nice. We spoke about family. He was polite and softly spoken. I think he appreciated that we never spoke music.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Wow that is amazing!!

[@jambibaub8753]

Did he know that you recognized him from Nirvana?

[@pat1589]

@@jambibaub8753 yes. But I purposefully didn't talk music. Initially small talk. He seemed to have a shyness. He was just chill.

[@eldiablo3794]

​@@pat1589I saw Nirvana play at the Metro in October of 91 in Chicago.. I believe it was October 12th, 1991. So your story totally lines up with the timeline of them being in Chicago. It was during the period where they were starting to blow up commercially but still playing clubs. What an amazing experience for you. I had a similar experience with Axl Rose. I ran into him at Ceasars Palace Mall in Vegas in 06. I was the only one who recognized him and we walked around together and started shopping. He was by himself, too, no entourage. It was cool to see and experience someone like him do normal stuff like shopping. We didn't talk about music at all lol. It wasn't until I started taking pictures with him when we were about to part ways that people started coming up to me asking who that was and I told them Axl Rose from GnR. Then everyone started going up to him asking for autographs.

[@deadgiancarlo]

That's so unreal. I could only imagine. Nowadays, even if he was alive, it'd still absolutely melt my mind. I am so stoned imagining it. 🤣🤣🤣

[@xXratlover69]

the fact he talked about wanting to be old and play acoustic guitar in a chair is heartbreaking

[@Mark-ix3zz]

Why would he kill his self then that was one of last interviews get me

[@xXratlover69]

@@Mark-ix3zz he was a drug addict so he probably wasn’t thinking clearly when he killed himself. he also might’ve suffered some brain damage due to an overdose he had in rome about a month before his death which may have lead to his bipolar disorder worsening. that is if you believe he killed himself though

[@TtrainInVain]

​@@Mark-ix3zz bipolar disorder and whatever undiagnosed things he had going on, mixed with being a heroin addict with an unlimited amount, whenever he wanted. He was doomed from the start. One day you can be happy, the next suicidal. That's what I believe happened. I don't for a second, believe his wife had anything to do with his death, other then trying to get him into rehab when he didnt want to, which lead to it. Can't blame her for that though.

[@TtrainInVain]

​@@Mark-ix3zz there's a pattern when it comes to suicides. We've seen this more and more frequently over the years leading up to the act. Most are pretty at peace and happy right before. I guess its because once they've made up their minds, a pressure is lifted and the weight of having to decide is over. Extremely unfortunate.

[@Thatonetomato-sf6wx]

But he never made it ti that age

[@iaminsfiredbytrustfration8502]

kurt is the real definition of “i’m not like the others” and he’s the only exception

[@juicicles5881]

Kurt= LedBelly + David Bowie+ some punk rock shit. That's why he played them songs, he loves them. Hes like them, in that kind of rare artul-motherfucker company.

[@miguelvaldez3913]

I'm not like them, but I can pretend....

[@alexandero9936]

Curt is the guy everyone is pretending to be.

[@juicicles5881]

@@alexandero9936 One of the guys 99% of rock historys' musicians wish they were, yeah. His not give a shit attitude is so refreshing

[@coreymacdonald7696]

Lemmy would like a word

[@LSD123.]

I literally can't watch Nirvanas Unplugged, I break down crying, and I'm a 43-year-old man. Kurt put his heart and soul into that performance. Nirvana changed my life. Teenage angst has paid off well, now I'm bored and old.... Miss you heaps, Kurt.

[@mz-hv2vh]

Best opening line to any album ever, in my opinion. Such a perfect opening to in utero.

[@damiencottrell1564]

Very well said! I don't want brought me to tears LOL

[@AlexWheely-bx7pk]

which album?

[@AlaskaJiuJitsu]

You're in your prime at 43!!

[@xylemphloem]

@@mz-hv2vh100% agree.

[@archiefromuno]

i love how you see kurt loves the guitar and wants to protect it but he basically tosses it on the floor to call out the douche in the audience, kurt truly was too good for this world

[@rfewer]

Ahh yes, Kurt, protecting guitars….

[@BleakHARMONY]

Cop him a feel everybody

[@michealriseley6261]

​@@BleakHARMONYI actually think he says "copping a feel hey buddy?"

[@mr_bassman6685]

@@michealriseley6261 “Look at him! Look at him! Ha ha ha!”

[@artificial844]

It's fun. To have power. ​@@mr_bassman6685

[@GustavoBido01]

The amount of effort you put into your research is commendable. It's worth putting in a book or even academic papers on the history of modern music. Amazing!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I sincerely appreciate that! I try to be as through as I can with the information we currently have available. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@svpmusic8140]

in academima Nirvana fall under the academic field of "Metal Music Studies" yes I know they are not strictly metal but metal music studies cvers metal and metal adjacent music so it also covers punk, Hardcore, Emo and yes grunge.

[@himynameis3664]

Pp in Pppppppppppp in,..c,

[@kreizyfrog99]

i absolutely agree!

[@misada7744]

My god you’re the luckiest man alive for having a 3A and a 3AV!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Dude I'm still in shock tbh 😅 Literally got the 3AV just days ago

[@Unbuda.]

I have one purchased 7 years ago. u$d70.

[@jakespencer431]

Dude sell me your 3a please!

[@The_Real_Shrimp]

Extremely lucky

[@mararalaral3450]

Cool serj pfp

[@wtfRyantater]

Bruh my 13 year old daughter just discovered Nirvana... When I found out I directed her immediately to the unplugged performance. Pure soul and gold

[@AlandFelder]

If martin were to reissue this gutiar, I guarantee that it would become one of Martin's best selling gutiars

[@TheGravygun]

Maybe without all that crap bolted onto it

[@EIGHTBITPUNK]

Wow I didn’t know it was a Martin. I always thought it was a cheap guitar

[@mr_bassman6685]

Doubt it, tbh. Even with all the Nirvana fans would buy it, it's still a fairly niche product that didn't sell well in the first place, so Martin would probably be selling them at a loss unless they made it annoyingly expensive...

[@honeyfrost3355]

​@mr_bassman6685 I doubt even die Hard Nirvana fans would buy it.

[@lerojo]

I would have like to hear more of this guitar being played.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

This is mostly a history and informational video, full sound demo video is in the works!

[@michaelcarey1849]

I know right

[@McHale72]

I have never been a huge Nirvana / Kurt Cobain fan but owned their CD's. Your videos have not only been incredibly informative but I have gotten a new appreciation for Kurt and Nirvana I never had before. Your attention to detail is incredible. Great job on all of your videos.

[@C4sages]

As a huge Nirvana myself, this was an amazing video. Watched the whole thing. This was amazing.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Nirvana last ever show with Kurt happen in march. And you finished your guitar in march. It's a nice little detail.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I love that!

[@christhmatist]

Dude, this is a DEEP dive. Brilliant!

[@ItalianStalianish]

Dude this has answered so many questions I’ve had for years. This is unbelievably awesome. Thank you

[@cacohenriquez]

It's funny how the best Unplugged sessions were played by grunge bands.

[@evilldead6824]

Its awesome to have audiophiles like u that really dive deep into musician their instruments and music. So many details that civilians like me would never pick up. Awesome

[@__blue--blood__7857]

This is why I love Martin guitars . Nirvana Unplugged in NY is the best live performance of all time . Where did you sleep last night , shows off Kurt's voice the best in any song .

[@Imdone13Gaming]

This album used to put me to sleep at night as a toddler, along with watching the DVD for it. I would always cry at Jesus Don’t Want Me For a Sunbeam though. So this video is definitely one of my favorites by you just for the sentimental value, and the fact that you were able to recreate that guitar, amazing.

[@cymbaline87]

Congrats my man!! You did it again, this guitar is the holy grail to most of us nirvana nerds and I'm so happy you were able to fulfill that lifelong dream. You deserve it!

[@bellringrrakascaleywalez3240]

And the award for biggest nirvana nerd ever goes to.... But seriously this is so cool how you broke everything down. One of the greatest albums of all time.

[@theshiningemerald4288]

How you edited, organized, synchronized the music and gave us so much information on this legendary guitar and performance is superb...this is the best unplugged history video ever and probably my favorite favorite video by you so far. This video will be in the millions next year. Good job dude

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Wow I seriously cannot thank you enough, you are far too kind 🙏 Very happy to hear this one is your favorite 😃 Took a lot of time to put this one together but I'm really proud of the end result!

[@RigoStar1931]

Half a million views and still booming, still waiting for the day this guy is all over KZbin.

[@stel_vcr]

ive been watching your videos for a while now, and MAN, the quality of every single one is amazing. the amount of research and dedication to your videos is truly just inspirational. keep it up! i can’t wait to see what your next endeavor will be

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I can’t tell you how much that means to me, thank you so much! These history videos take me quite a bit of time to make, but I love doing the research and trying to put the puzzle together 🙂

[@NotVeryEpic_Gaming]

I've been watching him for a while too

[@hankdieselify]

The Alice In Chains Unplugged is at the same level as Nirvanas, both elicit such strong feelings and emotions, and are otherworldly!

[@southernpride2003]

Also Stevie Ray Vaughan's unplugged performance

[@jonathanjeffries1888]

I feel like they played more than just "one" of their hits. Both Polly and All Apologies were songs that I heard on the radio a lot. But you're right. I heard that originally Kurt wanted to do the show playing ALL cover songs, but MTV wouldn't allow it.

[@himynameis3664]

Man I learned so much from this vid. What you achieved here is amazing, I'm in awe and envy of you big time. Big shout out to the mysterious crew that helped put this together for you, it really is genuinely a masterpiece.

[@zacharycash6975]

So glad I found this video. I feel like there are so many iconic guitars out there that have helped make music history what it is and are so often overlooked. Well done and thank you!

[@jameshickey808]

Such an outstanding video that works simultaneous as a little documentary of Kurt Cobain's genius and as a tutorial for Nirvana fans to build one of the coolest guitars ever. Much aprecciated, great work!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Wow thank you so much!! 🙂

[@crumdy]

Unplugged it definitely a vinyl piece I want for my collection. Beautiful cover for the album and I love the colors

[@kingfred9]

At 9:35, only true fans know the come as you are variation Kurt did

[@mickeyleemusic]

You really did your homework here. Great breakdown of the gear. Especially finding out what tubes were changed. 🤘

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Doing homework as a student: ugh I hate this 🙄 Doing homework as a KZbinr: This is so much fun, I had no idea this happened at that show! Let's see what happened at the next show! 😃

[@christophwjones]

Awesome video. I would love to build my own, I'm so glad you made this.

[@fuchsia5899]

This aswell as that last history video are both amazing. Best nirvana channel 100%

[@BiggieSmallpox]

That album was so important to me growing up. Glad to see someone go to the lengths you did to recreate the guitar that changed so many of our lives. We were learning those songs in the early 90s, in middle school haha. Playing them wrong, and gate keeping all of the tabs we found too. I forgot until I watched this video how we would sit and watch the unplugged and try to figure out the songs, and finally realize he was tuned down or in drop d years later with the internet haha. I think it’s badass what you’ve done, and am definitely a fan of your channel now. Cheers bro!

[@juicicles5881]

Nirvana's unplugged was great. Stevie Ray Vaughan's is my favorite. Rude Mood and Testify sound so cool on acoustic. I'm sure no one else can play that like that. Lol.

[@18bagabooo]

Still remember when i first saw this show re-run on MTV. And to this day this is something else. Only pearl jam unplugged was close to it, but nirvana on this show was still head and shoulders above everyone else

[@astrozoo]

How about Alice in Chains?

[@parrishvinson3689]

Thank you for making this video, I was 13 when unplugged aired, and I was already playing guitar and a nirvana fan, I learned alot from this good job man.

[@dylanbushmire2623]

If I didn’t have an 8 am class tomorrow I would definitely stay up to watch this man I really hate my schedule this semester

[@lapsteeler85]

You have an incredible voice for documentary/story telling, it instantly reminded me of Terry O'Reilly from his amazing show on CBC radio (Canadian Radio) called Under the Influence (about history of advertising). Huge compliment, hope you see it that way too! Just had to say that, thanks from Ontario Canada!

[@mazetv6381]

dude you are the master! pls do more of these. my 12 year old self would have loved everything about your videos. pls more

[@RileySullivan]

I have been waiting so patiently for this video. So worth the wait! Incredible work on this video! Wow, I’m blown away by the research, and how well put together this video is.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much! You telling me it was worth the wait makes me so happy 😃 This one took a long time to put together, I started doing the research the day I got the finished guitar

[@codymcglaughlin5258]

I can’t get enough of these. Like another comment said, you are a great storyteller as well as musician.

[@talk2jpb]

I have often thought of creating my own modified Nirvana Unplugged guitar. Great video!

[@cancel1913]

You, my friend are the "Kurt Cobain" of Great You Tube videos indeed! And yes that unplugged performance is the best Live Album of all time.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@markstelle9402]

Good job man. Very nice to see how inspired you are by Kurt. And what a build.

[@humanzee503]

Thanks for the deep dive! A beautiful tribute to a beautiful moment in time.

[@nagarev]

This documentary is fire! I'm usually bored by gear reviews and so on, but the amount of research you've done, and the way you present it... Simply awesome! I really enjoyed it.

[@watertech011]

Great job on a near impossible task. Thank you for keeping the Nirvana legacy alive and interesting. I applaude your effort!

[@hatfieldmccoy1739]

Incredible. Inspires me to build the guitar that made me want to play in the first place. Great job! Whatever content you make with this will be consumed happily.

[@net_apart7987]

poor kurt, what a hurt soul, i wish hes better wherever he is, and he might just see and be maybe in more distain for himself if he saw how much each and every guitar he had would be sold for thousands and millions of dollars, it was never for the fame, or for the money for him, but he just wanted to play songs, and i think thats what made kurt so very special.

[@low_gi]

This is a great video, absolutely fascinating. And a really positive story of how you chased a dream and made it real ❤

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much for the support! This build is a dream come true that I never thought would be a reality 😍 I was so excited to put this video out to share my story and to hopefully help anyone else who wants to do a similar build!

[@bamocomics8344]

It’d be super cool to hear the stories about how you found all the gear. Awesome video! All of your content is so well done.

[@Ed-pr7jv]

Great video! I learned a lot about this odd guitar. I always thought it was some “cobbled-together” custom that was built for Kurt. Did not know that it was a Martin model! Thanks!

[@inherentmirth5180]

Don't forget too that the original Bartolini company went out of business in 2010, and a few years later the company was resurrected by a friend. Thus, many early pickups were hard to find and/or ended up found in a storage unit years later.

[@YoursUntruly]

This is already such a great video man 2:32

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest of it 😃

[@andrewpappas9311]

Absolutely beautiful, man, love the video you’ve done with it on the channel and seeing the story behind why you decided to make your own version of Kurt’s acoustic is just awesome. Great job as always

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much!

[@stevemuzak8526]

I heard that album at least 1000 times. It's so good.

[@gregphebus5777]

Your video really touched me. I usually keep my feelings for music to myself because for me, it is about emotion, feeling and intimacy. People most often, just don't feel as I do. It is just sound to them that can be fast forwarded if they don't like it. Nirvana is my second favorite band in my life. The Unplugged show was intimate, emotional, and left me with a feeling that I'm sure most of your followers also have. From when that show aired until the album came out might as well of been a decade. Torturous. I also followed my heart and chased a guitar build. I'm currently still doing it. 1954 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop played by Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. I know exactly how it feels to see that guitar hanging on your wall after all the searching (pictures,videos, pictures, videos), RESEARCH, and music listening. That video was an amazing story and I'm sure only 10% of the true journey to get where you now are. Thank you for sharing, love it. If you're ever in Northern California, I'd love to hear the full crazy story. Please take care.

[@SoDNiGhTMaRe211]

Damn, the result you got out of this is absolutely amazing!!! As a Nirvana fan, the Unplugged Guitar was always a dream I was pretty sure I'd never be able to to realize since it's nearly impossible to find one of the original Martin's of that model, and even if I'd find one, I'd NEVER be able to pay the ridiculous prices they sell for. Seeing what is possible (and way more affordable) if you approach it in the right way and really put time and effort in it gave me hope that maybe one day, I'll be able to create one of these magical homages to music history myself Thank you so much 🌟

[@ColdToiletSeats]

awesome video ... I can totally relate to your story as well. I think I was 14 when I got a copy of the album from a friends brother who had two copies so he traded me. My life would never be the same after listening :)

[@chili_phil]

My eldest daughter has found Nirvana, she's going to be 12 this year. And I am so happy she's got into them.

[@tpp5151]

Make her listen to Alice in Chains now

[@Vivbrightman-fm4ox]

Hi Chris Hansen lol

[@WilliamHaisch]

I have a 1996 Sigma DM1ST. It was my main acoustic guitar for a few years and then it became my campfire guitar. They are good guitars. I bought an 2000 Ibanez JX70TDB1201 acoustic guitar because it had a black neck humbucker that reminded me of Kurt’s guitar. Thank you for sharing the journey.

[@user-sn7ep9mv7d]

Absolute gold mine of a video. Keep up the good work.

[@StayMadLmfao]

My first girlfriend introduced me to Nirvana. Her favorite song is The Man Who Sold the World. Learned it for her and everything,shit learned guitar for her actually. It hurts a little to pick one up and think about what to play. I named my first acoustic after her. Nirvana as a whole just has this bitter sweet feeling that washes over me whenever I listen to them. Nothing but really good.. and really bad memories

[@MrStealYoGirl374]

She's sending you her best regards breh. Sorry That I had to steal her from you.

[@StayMadLmfao]

@@MrStealYoGirl374 lmfao nigga acting like he can gaslight me online? Grow up kid haha I couldn’t care less if the hoe was dead

[@QueenJamie]

I’m not a huge Nirvana fan, but my god your passion for Kurt is beautiful. Absolutely loved this video

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Wow, thank you!

[@avyouandme]

I second this statement. This was mind blowing to watch and I’m not an enormous Nirvana fan. Such an entertaining video. This is the real KZbin.

[@ckdpraha]

Thunbs up for dedication! Never had my own case of 'all-detail replica' craze, but I can dig it😁

[@sikitrakix]

Learned a lot about this guitar today. Considering how Kurt was regarding brands and expensive equipment, I always thought it was a random martin that he picked up and put electronics in. Thank you for the history lesson. That replica looks incredible!

[@tymime]

I'm surprised Martin hasn't made a reissue of it by now (with all three pickups available)

[@MaryLouLord1]

they are doing a replica of the first Martin Kurt loved. The 53 D-18

[@harrisontownsend910]

I loved this show and the Eric Clapton unplugged. Thank you for this.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thanks for watching!

[@averyplaysguitar]

this is so well made I love that you were able to fulfill your dream of owning a replica

[@BKDocHoliday]

Incredible dedication to one of the grail tones of music. Amazing video and guitar!

[@iamshaggy3587]

Feel like I’m saying this every time now, but this is my new favourite video by you. My god, the info, editing, tones, just perfect!

[@GHOST_tundra]

That "when I'm older" line brought tears to my eyes

[@coopaaaaaa2]

i’m actually amazed how close you got with the tone

[@Phatbasslinez]

Phenomenal video!!! I too was very inspired as a teenager by Kurt Cobain’s Unplugged performance

[@Ozgur72]

Chris, Kurt, Eddie, Layne and Mark's art elevates in an acoustic environment. Thats the spirit of grunge.

[@calcastaneda]

I haven’t even finished the video yet and the amount of research that went into making this guitar is incredible! Hats off to you, my good sir! 🎩🤯

[@calcastaneda]

That’s it! I’m subscribing!

[@tangerinesrock90038]

Erick I seen this video 4 times already! Absolutely incredible work! I saw Nirvana unplugged when it debuted on MTV it was a big deal. My cousins and friends gathered around the TV to see it. I learned so much from this appreciate the content keep up the great work 💯💯👏🏼👏🏼

[@pmags1331]

I feel the same way about Nirvana . I remember where I was when I heard he passed . I still have the newspaper clippings from back then . It was a sad time in music. I got my 2 sons into Nirvana and the other great grunge bands . My older son just started guitar lessons and can’t wait too learn Nirvana songs . Or maybe I can’t wait. 😂🤣😂 Great video 🤘

[@rafaeljukka]

Amazing work, full of passion and love. Thank you for sharing! I’ll watch anything you produce about Nirvana.

[@krstnrose8133]

Loved learning about this iconic guitar. Very interesting story about about how you came to find and purchase all the gear. Can't wait to hear the 3AV.

[@jq.guitars]

One of the best replicas out there, glad that it turned out so good!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much JQ, that means a lot coming from you my friend! Thanks again for your help with the Bartolini 🙏

[@ASM881]

I saw Nirvana a few months after this, in Jan of 94 in Vancouver. Although the tension in the band was palpable, it was still a great show. Thanks for everything you do, this is a great channel.

[@lucassfair1407]

very good, man! congratulations and thank you! you could easily make a guitarbook, because your versions are much more faithful than many I've seen.

[@chefrick247]

Young man I am absolutely blown away. I was there for all of this and saw Nirvana as "my" band. How can someone younger than me know more about Nirvana? This is absolutely staggering, I don't know what to say!! I'm beyond impressed! Wow, I shall be working through all your videos now. Thank you so much for this masterpiece!

[@jas_become]

This video calmed me down through a chaotic night I’ve just had it’s 4am. Such a cool vibe to it. Nirvana unplugged is so Fuckin special . You’ve got great taste. Enjoy the guitar!

[@_______73_______]

Incredible video man! Amazing detail all in one place finally. Congrats on getting hold of that elusive 3AV

[@baskah]

Mate! I think this is your best video! So much info and dedication, overall super well done and fun to watch! Great video!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much man! 🙏

[@joeycredible]

It doesn't get better than this. Amazing resorce video man! You're gifted.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Can’t thank you enough for the kind words and super thanks!! 🙏🏻

[@grg537]

Crazy amount of investigation and work had been put into this video. Thanks! Also, we are interested in the gear-hunt stories😊

[@mirata7748]

Man I'm so excited for the 3AV video, the 3A sounds amazing on its on, very well researched video, thanks to you alot of his guitars and the history behind them gets documented well, great video!

[@HVLmusic]

Man, those first three chords. A very nice touch!

[@erikracz4162]

What a video, you did a great job, man. All points covered well, and I agree with you that Kurt’s unplugged show was historic to say the least. I found it ironic that used the the same guitar picks that I use for my acoustic playing.

[@nemyz7421]

When I watched Nirvana unplugged on MTV at that time I got goosenbumps all over. I even recorded this performance on vhs tape , and still have this tape. One detail that really caught my attention at that time was the setting. The whole setting looked like a wake , with lit candles and flowers. Perhaps a foreshadowing and farewell of Kurt , of a tragedy that would happen some time later.

[@bombdiggitydave3881]

Enjoyed the history and presentation of Nirvana and the mtv unplugged set and Kurt's setup, etc. ÷ I grew up in the PNW and was in Portland and Seattle during grunge heyday. Thanks for taking me back to that era of my life and my love for guitar.

[@willhouse]

For anybody else wondering about another iconic 90's acoustic tone... *Kim Deal* gets her badass sound from a Seagull S6 Original going through a Marshall 900 series amp, with just some EQ tweaking to her low-end-loving taste. ❤

[@kyleherder]

I don’t play guitar or any music, but I really enjoyed this video start to finish. Amazing project. Love the technical side of the build. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevmonster7238]

The irony of him wanting the Led Belly guitar during the show but it was too expensive. Now his guitar is the most expensive.