Kurt Cobain, the enigmatic frontman of Nirvana, left an indelible mark on the music world with Nirvana’s debut album Bleach. Released in 1989, this album was a raw and powerful introduction to the grunge sound that would soon take the music scene by storm. The choice of guitar played a crucial role in shaping the distinct sonic landscape of Bleach. Cobain’s guitar work on this album was characterized by its aggressive yet melodic riffs, feedback -laden textures, and raw energy. To understand the magic behind Bleach, it’s essential to explore the guitars that Cobain used during its creation. This article will delve deep into the specific guitars, their features, and how they contributed to the album’s iconic sound.
The Univox Hi-Flier: Cobain’s Go-To for Bleach
The Univox Connection
According to Rick King, the owner of Guitar Maniacs in Tacoma, Washington, Cobain had a penchant for cheap Univox Hi – Flier guitars during 1989-1990. He bought a significant number of these guitars, both the versions with P-90 pickups and those equipped with humbuckers. These guitars were known for their high-output pickups, which produced a thick and powerful sound, perfect for the emerging grunge genre. Producer Jack Endino also stated that Cobain used only Univox guitars during the recording of Bleach, although he had a collection of different models for live performances.
Features of the Univox Hi-Flier
Body and Design: The Univox Hi-Flier had a unique body shape that resembled the Mosrite guitars, which were popular among surf and rock musicians. It had a solid-body construction, which provided a good balance between sustain and resonance. The guitar’s design was simple yet effective, with a comfortable neck that allowed Cobain to execute his fast- paced riffs and solos with ease. Some of the Hi-Flier models Cobain used had interesting cosmetic details, such as a sunburst finish with a tortoiseshell pickguard on his 1968 Hi-Flier custom. This particular model looked quite different from the standard Univox offerings and added to its visual appeal.
Pickups: The pickups on the Univox Hi-Flier were a standout feature. As mentioned, there were two main types of pickups available in the models Cobain used. The P-90 pickups offered a bright and punchy sound, with a characteristic mid-range growl. They were great for cutting through the mix in a live setting. The humbucker-equipped models, on the other hand, provided a warmer and more saturated tone. The high-output humbuckers could produce a thick, distorted sound, which was a key element in the grunge sound of Bleach. For example, in songs like “Negative Creep,” the powerful output of the humbuckers on Cobain’s Univox Hi – Flier helped to create the heavy, menacing riffs that defined the track.
Modifications to the Univox Hi-Flier
One of Cobain’s Univox Hi-Fliers, his 1968 custom model, had some significant modifications. The original P90 pickups were replaced with a Seymour Duncan 59 and JB humbucker set. This modification likely enhanced the guitar’s tonal capabilities, giving Cobain more control over the sound. The Seymour Duncan pickups are known for their versatility, with the 59 offering a smooth and warm tone, while the JB provides a more aggressive and high – gain sound. It’s said that this particular guitar was one of Cobain’s favorites among his Univox collection, and it’s possible that he used it not only for Bleach but also for parts of In Utero. This shows how important this modified Univox Hi – Flier was in Cobain’s musical journey.
The Diversity of Univox Hi-Fliers in Cobain’s Arsenal
Different Models on Display
Cobain had a variety of Univox Hi-Flier models in his possession during the Bleach era. In live performances, he was often seen with different colored Hi-Fliers, including natural, sunburst, white, and even red. Each guitar had its own character, but they all shared the common Univox DNA that Cobain was drawn to. The sunburst-colored Univox, in particular, became quite iconic. Its warm-toned finish was a visual contrast to the raw and aggressive sound it produced. The different colors of the guitars also added to the visual spectacle of Nirvana’s live shows, which were known for their high – energy and chaotic nature.
The Role of the Jaguar-Style Tremolo Bridge
Some of Cobain’s Univox Hi-Flier Phase III guitars were equipped with a Jaguar-style tremolo bridge. This type of bridge allowed for a unique playing technique that Cobain utilized to add expressiveness to his solos and riffs. The tremolo bridge enabled him to bend the pitch of the strings slightly, creating a warbling effect. This was especially evident in songs where he wanted to add a touch of instability or a more emotional edge to the music. The bridge also contributed to the overall sustain of the guitar, as the floating design of the Jaguar – style tremolo bridge interacted with the strings in a way that could enhance the note’s decay.
Other Guitars in the Mix
The Fender Mustang
During Nirvana’s 1989 US tour in support of Bleach, Cobain used a 1970s Fender Mustang. However, during the northeast part of the tour, he smashed the guitar to the point where it was no longer playable. Later, in New Jersey, he traded the broken Mustang with Sluggo (from the punk band Grannies and Huballa Loo) for a Gibson SG, which he eventually painted light blue. While it’s not clear if the Fender Mustang was used during the actual recording of Bleach, it was an important part of Cobain’s live setup during that period. The Mustang is known for its compact size and unique sound. It has a short scale length, which can make it easier to play for some guitarists, and it typically produces a bright and punchy tone, which could have added a different flavor to Nirvana’s live performances.
The Telecaster and Epiphone ET-270
Although not as prominently associated with the Bleach recording as the Univox Hi-Flier, Cobain also used other guitars like the Telecaster and Epiphone ET-270 on stage during this time. The Telecaster, with its classic twangy sound, could have been used for certain riffs or solos where Cobain wanted a more articulate and bright tone. The Epiphone ET-270, on the other hand, is a semi-hollow body guitar that offers a warmer and more resonant sound compared to solid – body guitars. While there’s no evidence of these guitars being used in the Bleach recording, their presence in Cobain’s live arsenal shows his willingness to experiment with different sounds and guitar models.
The Impact of Cobain’s Guitar Choice on Bleach
Shaping the Grunge Sound
The Univox Hi-Flier, with its high-output pickups and solid-body design, was a perfect match for the emerging grunge sound. The thick, distorted sound produced by the guitar was a cornerstone of the Bleach album. Songs like “School” and “Scoff” feature the aggressive riffs that were made possible by the Univox Hi-Flier. The guitar’s ability to cut through the mix, even when played at high volumes with heavy distortion, was crucial in creating the wall-of-sound effect that defined grunge. Cobain’s use of the Univox Hi-Flier helped to set the tone for the album, making it a benchmark for the grunge genre.
Influence on Guitarists and the Music Industry
Cobain’s choice of the relatively unknown Univox Hi-Flier had a significant impact on the music industry and guitarists worldwide. It showed that a great sound could be achieved with affordable guitars. After the success of Bleach, many guitarists began to look for similar-sounding guitars, and the Univox Hi-Flier gained a new level of popularity. It also inspired other guitar manufacturers to produce guitars with high-output pickups and unique designs, catering to the growing demand for the grunge-style sound. Even today, the influence of Cobain’s guitar choice on Bleach can be seen in the continued popularity of guitars with a similar tonal profile among alternative and rock guitarists.
Cobain’s Guitar-Playing Style and the Bleach Guitars
Aggressive Riffs and Solos
Cobain’s playing style on Bleach was characterized by his aggressive riffs and solos. The Univox Hi – Flier’s comfortable neck and high-output pickups allowed him to execute his fast-paced and hard-hitting riffs with ease. Whether it was the palm -muted power chords in “About a Girl” or the soaring solos in “Love Buzz,” the guitar responded well to his playing technique. The high-output pickups could handle the heavy distortion that Cobain favored, without losing clarity or definition. This enabled him to create a sound that was both powerful and musical, captivating audiences with his raw talent.
Feedback and Noise as Musical Elements
Another aspect of Cobain’s playing style on Bleach was his use of feedback and noise as musical elements. The Univox Hi- Flier, when played through the right amplifier settings, could produce rich and textured feedback. Cobain would often use this to his advantage, creating a sense of chaos and unpredictability in the music. In songs like “Paper Cuts,” the feedback adds an extra layer of intensity to the already aggressive riffs. The guitar’s solid-body construction also contributed to the sustain of the feedback, allowing Cobain to control the length and tone of the feedback sounds, making them an integral part of the song’s structure.
Conclusion
Kurt Cobain’s choice of guitars for Bleach, primarily the Univox Hi-Flier, was a defining factor in the album’s success. The unique features of the Univox Hi-Flier, such as its body design, pickups, and tremolo bridge, combined with Cobain’s innovative playing style, created a sound that was revolutionary at the time. The diversity of guitars in his arsenal, including the Fender Mustang, Telecaster, and Epiphone ET-270, added to the sonic palette of Nirvana’s live performances during the Bleach era. The impact of Cobain’s guitar choices on Bleach extended far beyond the album itself, influencing an entire generation of guitarists and shaping the direction of the music industry. The guitars used on Bleach will forever be associated with the birth of grunge and the indomitable spirit of Kurt Cobain.
