Kurt Cobain’s Fender (“Greco”) Mustang

This Mustang first appeared in late 1988, and it directly replaced a Univox Hi-Flier that Kurt smashed on October 30, 1988, in Olympia. It appears to be the first left-handed guitar that Kurt ever owned, and one that he modified pretty extensively.

Kurt allegedly bought the Mustang at Guitar Maniacs shop in Tacoma, WA. However, the shop’s owner is only quoted saying that Kurt bought a bunch of Univoxes from him, so take this piece of info with a grain of salt as there doesn’t seem to be an actual source behind it. Also, based just on the looks of it, it seems that this guitar is just something Kurt picked up possibly even for free, and worked on it himself until he made it playable.

He often appeared onstage with other models, including a sunburst left-handed Greco Mustang copy that he bought from Guitar Maniacs. The Mustang copy allegedly was destroyed on July 9, 1989, but it may have experienced some form of reincarnation since a similar guitar is seen in photos of Nirvana on January 6, 1990.

Guitar World The Life & Genius of Kurt Cobain, By Guitar World

Furthermore, although there’s popular lore that Kurt did own a Greco Mustang, probably originating from the quote above, there’s really no telling whether the guitar was actually a Greco. More likely, this guitar was a Fender, or at least the body was, based on all the evidence (see comments). But the fact that the Greco myth does exist, and people are likely to search for information on it, “Greco” will be left in the title of this page.

The Guitar and its Incarnations

On the oldest photos of Kurt with the guitar, dating to November 1988 (again, you’ll have to search for these yourself, due to copyright they can’t be displayed here), the Mustang appears to have been finished in either sunburst or a solid color, and it styled a rosewood neck with no visible branding on the headstock. The guitar also had no pickguard, and it only had a single pickup in the bridge, identical to those fitted on a Univox Hi-Flier 3 guitar, and the white control plate from that same model.

This means that most likely this pickup came directly from the Univox that Kurt smashed in October, and goes along with the theory that this Mustang is something Kurt pieced together himself.

Fast forward a couple of months, by January 1989 the guitar appears to have been sanded down to bare wood. Also, a Soundgarden sticker was placed just above the bridge, and Kurt cut out an old vinyl record and used it as a pickguard. Although photos available of this guitar are really blurry and it’s hard to say for sure, it seems that Kurt used a vinyl record of a Christian sermon dubbed Where Are The Dead? published by Thomas Road Baptist Church.

By April 7, 1989, the body seemed to have been painted light blue, and the improvised vinyl pickguard was replaced with a proper Mustang pickguard in white. The neck, the pickup, and the control plate all remained the same – if indeed this was the same guitar.

The guitar can also be seen on the cover of the Bleach album. Note that Jason Everman, whos on the right, himself had a vinyl record pickguard. In his case, it was a copy of Venom’s At War With Satan.

From then on the guitar didn’t see much stage light, and for the next few months, Kurt mainly used a maple neck Univox Hi-Flier instead. Many have assumed that the guitar was smashed sometime in mid-1989 and that that was the end of it. However, there’s no photographic evidence of this, which opens a door to another theory.

The Final Incarnation or a Separate Guitar?

It appears that a guitar similar to Kurt’s old Greco Mustang was seen in the footage from February 14, 1990 (see video below). The Mustang is at this point painted light blue and fitted with a dark-colored pickguard that had a cutout for the neck pickup.

After Kurt smashed the guitar in the above video, filmed on February 9, 1990, at the Pine Street Theater, years later, most of what was left of it ended up on display at the EMP (now Museum of Pop Culture) founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000. They themselves have posted a piece regarding the history of this guitar at – THE BRIEF, BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY OF COBAIN’S MUSTANG.

Kurt’s Mustang guitar is on display at the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Seattle. Photo by: Davide Costanzo/Flickr

The guitar pictured above was obviously repainted at least twice. According to the article posted by MoPoP, it was painted white at some point in mid-1989, and blue later that year. However, there doesn’t appear to be a single photo in existence of this guitar painted in white, so that part of the story is far from well established.

What makes sense logically is that Kurt probably painted it light blue first (note the lighter shade of blue around the control plate), in April 1989. Then, around early 1990, when he painted one of his other guitars, a 1970s Gibson SG, he could’ve used the rest of the paint on this Mustang. The SG was smashed on February 17th, while the Mustang on February 14th. So as far as the dates, this story would make sense.

Feedback

GroundGuitar counts on your criticism and feedback. In case you notice anything wrong with the information posted on this page, or you have knowledge of something that you would like to share, be sure to leave a comment below.

In case you want to talk to me directly and privately, please use the Contact Form and I will get back to you as soon as possible. (Dan)

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Rych
Rych
3 years ago

Also if you look at the Smashed Mustang from display at the Experience Music Project/MoPoP, Seattle. It had the the whole for a Fender Vibrato Tremolo Plate. As Kurt’s Home Made Sonic Blue one Doesn’t have it….

the Fender Mustang was Originally Red with No Pickguard, and Kurt added a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker and the broken bottom half of the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Pickguard as the Control Panel. It also had a Soundgarden Sticker on the body.

Jan ’89 Kurt Fashioned a Pickguard from a Record of a Christian Sermon dubbed “Where Are The Dead?” published by Thomas Road Baptist Church.

By April ’89 the Mustang was Painted Light Green, Had a White Pearloid Mustang Pickguard added
but the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker, and the Broken Bottom half of the Univox Hi-Flier Pickguard used as a Control Panel stayed the Same.

it disappeared after April ’89 as in May 1989 Kurt used a Natural Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3, In June 1989 Kurt added some Red Spray Paint to try to make it look Sunburst, this Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 was used from 05/26/89 – 07/13/89 when it was smashed at Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ.

July 18, 1989 Kurt started using a White Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 which was used from 07/18/89 – 11/11/89 when it was smashed.

From that point Kurt used a Red Hagström II F-200 which was used until it too was smashed on 11/27/89 Rome Italy. For the last 5 shows 11/29/89, 11/30/89, 12/01,89, 12/02/89 and 12/03/89 Kurt used a Black and White Washburn Force 31 then it was smashed 12/03/89 at the end of the European Tour.

December 20, 1989 Kurt bought a Hondo 737 from Too Kick Jewelry & Loans, Tacoma, WA.

January 6, 1990 East Ballroom Husky Union Building University of Washington Seattle WA Kurt used the Gibson SG (he got from Sluggo from trading his 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang July 16, 1989) which Kurt fixed up the Gibson SG after Returning home From Europe in 1989, Painting it Light Blue, adding a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker in the bridge and some kind of Single-Coil Pickup in the Neck Position. January 6, 1990 Kurt used the Gibson SG, the Hondo 737 and also had the Red Epiphone ET-270 which wasn’t used…. Kurt used the Hondo 737 from January 6, 1990 – January 12, 1990 when it was Smashed at Satyricon Portland OR.

Kurt used the Gibson SG on and Off along with the Epiphone ET-270 on February 9, 1990 Pine Street Theater Portland OR Kurt brought back the Fender Mustang that was last seen in April 1989, and it was smashed at the end of 02/09/90 Pine Street Theater Portland OR then Kurt had 3 Home Made Hybrid Mustangs the first one the Sonic Blue with a Black Pickguard and had a Jesus gethsemane picture on it that Mustang was smashed 02/14/90 Kennel Club San Francisco CA, the Shell Pink Home Made Hybrid Mustang was smashed 02/16/90 Bogart’s Long Beach CA, And the following day Kurt smashed the Gibson SG on 02/17/90 Iguanas Tijuana Mexico

Kurt used his Epiphone ET-270 from February 1990 to April 26, 1990 when Kurt smashed it at the Pyramid Club New York NY. For the next couple shows
04/27/90 – 04/30/90 Kurt used his 3rd and Final Homemade Hybrid Mustang which was seen in the “Sub Pop” In Bloom Music Video.

from there on Kurt Smashed his Sunn Beta Amps on May 1, 1990 the following day May 2, 1990 Kurt bought a Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp, Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp and the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series. Some time in August Kurt Bought the Mosrite Gospel Mark IV Guitar, which Kurt used as his Main Guitar and the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series as a Backup, Kurt Smashed the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series at the end of the 09/22/90 Motor Sports International Garage Seattle WA show. So Dave Grohl’s first show with Nirvana 10/11/90 North Shore Surf Club Olympia WA Kurt used the Mosrite Gospel Mark IV the entire show…. Before heading over to Europe to play a BBC Session and do a 6-Show UK Tour with L7 sometime in October 1990 Kurt Bought his very first Fender Stratocaster a White Made in Japan Fender Stratocaster that had a Black Slanted Humbucker in the bridge and the “K” Records Sticker on the top of the body. Which by now this White Fender MIJ “K” Strat became Kurt’s main guitar and the Mosrite Gospel Mark IV as a Back up.

the Last time the Mosrite Gospel Mark IV guitar was used was 02/09/90 when Kurt & Dave played with Slim Moon’s band Witchypoo.

From January 18, 1991 Kurt used the White MIJ “K” Records Strat the whole show except for Endless Nameless which Kurt used a Red Matsumoku Memphis Stratocaster with Matching Headstock this was smashed with a Hammer at the end of the show…by March 1991 Kurt bought a Black and White MIJ Fender Stratocaster that he also added a Black Humbucker. The White “K” Strat & the Black and White MIJ Stratocasters were Kurt’s main guitars from March – April 1991. (During the Nevermind Sessions in May 1991 Kurt broke the Neck off the Black and White Japanese Fender Stratocaster, in June 1991 Kurt started using a Brand New Fender MIJ Stratocaster with a 3-Ply Black/White/Black Pickguard and had a Black Humbucker installed this became known as the “Vandalism” Stratocaster which didn’t get the Sticker until August 1991. During the September Nevermind North American Tour Kurt’s Black and White Japanese Fender Stratocaster that had the neck smashed off at Sound City during the Recording of Endless Nameless at the Nevermind Sessions now has a New Fender Neck, Has a Metal Chrome Humbucker Ring around the Black Humbucker, And the Original Fender Bridge was replaced with a Gibson-Style Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Stop Tailpiece (like on a Les Paul/SG) it was used during the North American Nevermind Tour 09/20/91 – 10/12/91 when it wasn’t seen again.

and the List of guitars from this point on is pretty much well Known…..

Rych
Rych
1 year ago
Reply to  Dan Kopilovic

Yes, the Hondo 737 Kurt owned/played was a Black and White Hondo 737 Les Paul Copy (Matsumoku, MIJ) which was a Left-Handed Les Paul Copy… Kurt purchased the Hondo 737 on December 20, 1989 Top Kick Jewelry & Loans, Tacoma, WA) Kurt only used it live for 6 days it was first used live on January 6, 1990 Hub Ballroom, Husky Union Building, University of Washington, Seattle, WA and smashed it on January 12, 1990 Satyricon, Portland, OR.

the Gibson SG which Kurt got on July 16, 1989 while Nirvana was at the Residence of Sluggo Cawley (guitarist for the Grannies / Hullabaloo”) and his Girlfriend JJ Gonson (who had taken photo shoots of Nirvana). Since Kurt Smashed the Right-Handed 1973 Fender Sunburst Mustang which was used July 8 & 9, 1989) and then Kurt used and smashed a Natural Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (which in June ‘89 Kurt added Red Spray Paint to try to make
it look sunburst, but looked more like a mix between Cherry Sunburst and Fireglo. Which was used from May 26, 1989 – July 13, 1989 (which left Kurt Kurt with No guitars,) that’s why on July 15, 1989 Green Street Station, Jamaica Plains, MA Nirvana played a show where Kurt just sang and Jason did all of the guitar playing, the next day while in Watertown, MA on July 16, 1989 there’s pictures of Kurt sitting down on a couch and he’s wearing the White Mudhoney Big Muff t-shirt, Black Jeans, Old Beat-Up Converses covered with Silver Duct tape, and Kurt’s drinking Strawberry Quik (Strawberry Nesquik) and you can see the back of the Headstock of the 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang laying on the floor, and Kurt traded it for a smashed 70s Gibson SG 9 days after he smashed the 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang on July 9, 1989 and traded it for a 70s Gibson SG on July 16, 1989 (After sometime returning home from the European Bleach Tour) Kurt painted the SG a Daphne Blue/Sonic Blue Finish on the Front/Back of the Body, Kurt kept the Black Bridge Humbucker Ring with an Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Humbucker Bridge pickup, then removed the Neck Humbucker and the Neck Humbucker Ring and screwed in the Black 1973 Fender Mustang Neck pickup installed in the Neck Cavity, had the Harmonica Bridge and Stop-Tailpiece, and then had 3 pieces of White Tape, and loads of Black Duct Tape on the bottom corner (which would technically be the right corner as it’s a Right-Handed Gibson SG and Kurt has it flip and String Lefty) not sure if the duct tape is holding the body together, or if it’s covering up something he didn’t like or just did it to
make it look like a cool modified punk guitar *shrugs*

aNd to make it super easy for you.
Yes, the MoPoP Mustang is the same one as the Univox-Stang (which Kurt used from 11/23/88 to April 14, 1989) then it wasn’t seen or used until February 9, 1990 where it was used and smashed at the end of the Pine Street Theater, Portland, OR show… (that’s why In the body from MoPoP has the wholes from where the Fender Vibrato/Tremolo Plate is located (and the Home Made Hybrid Mustangs all 3 had Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridges), the reason I call Kurt’s first Mustang as “Univox-Stang” as Kurts Main guitar since 1984/1985 – October 30, 1988 Kurt used the Sunburst Univox Hi-Flier Phase III and after it was smashed at the end of the 10/30/88 Dorm K 208, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA show the next time they played was
on 11/23/88 and Kurt was using his first Left-Handed Mustang & first Left-Handed guitar, and I’m not sure if it was sometime during Nirvana’s 10/30/88 show or a different show at the Evergreen State College, Kurt and Krist paid $20 for a beat up Fender Mustang (which was only the body, Neck, and Vibrato/Tremolo Plate), Kurt had no Neck pickups, no slider switches, had the Univox Humbucker installed in not the Bridge, the Univox pots (Vol/Tone/Input-Jack), broken bottom half of the Univox Pickguard as a Mustang Control Plate, had Univox Vol/Tone Knobs, and had the original Univox Toggle Switch which wasn’t hooked up I think it was just bent and covered with silver duct tape, and he had a Soundgarden Sticker on the body, then by January 1989 Kurt made a Home Made Vinyl Record Pickguard from a Thomas Road Baptist Church “Where Are The Dead?” Vinyl. And used it up until Late March 1989/Early April 1989 (I’m not sure if it’s because Jason Everman’s Fender Telecaster was the same Bare Wood/Walnut Finish as Kurt’s Mustang, Jason Had a Pickguard made from a Vinyl Record, Jason’s was made from a copy of Venom’s At War With Satan vinyl record Pickguard. And he also had the same Soundgarden sticker under his bridge so maybe That’s why by April ‘89 Kurt removed from the Soundgarden Sticker and the Home Made Vinyl Record Pickguard, and paint the entire body Light Green/Surf Green, added a Original Fender White Pearloid Pickguard, other then then painting the body to Light Green, Replace the Vinyl Record Pickguard to an Original Vintage Fender Mustang Pickguard, and Remove the Soundgarden Sticker… besides that everything else is the same, same neck, same body, Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Humbucker screwed into the body, Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Pots (Vol/Tone/Input Jack), Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Broken Bottom Half of Pickguard Cut as a Control Plate, Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Vol/Tone Knobs, and still had the Univox Toggle Switch disconnect/Bent down covered
with silver duct tape… so besides the Fender Neck, Body, and Tremolo Vibrato Plate, then everything else was used from his Univox Hi-Flier Phase III Sunburst he smashed on 10/30/88.

if you think about it it’s basically a Univox Hi-Flier inside the Shell of a Fender Mustang… (as “Floyd”, “Paper Cuts” and “Downer”) were all recorded on 01/23/88 with Dale Crover on Drums and Kurt used his Sunburst Univox Phase III.

then (“Love Buzz” & “Big Cheese”) were all recorded between June-Sept 1988 with Chad Channing on Drums and Kurdt used his Sunburst Univox Phase III.

then the rest of “Bleach” was recorded on December 24, 29-31,1988 and January 14 & 24, 1989 they recorded and mixed the rest of Bleach (the only songs that aren’t surfaced from the Dec 1988/Jan 1989 Bleach sessions are tracks they did with Chad that they didn’t like (Floyd the Barber/Paper cuts) so that’s why they used the Dale Demo version from 01/23/88 Reciproical Recording, Seattle, Wa. And there were Versions of (Big Cheese/Love Buzz) as they were recorded sessions for their first single which was was “Love Buzz”/“Big Cheesea” Which was released as a Single in November 1988. Then the rest of the songs that were recorded for “Bleach” were done in December 1988 and they were all released on the Bleach Album (except for “Big Long Now” which remained Unreleased until December 15, 1992 when Incesticide was released…aNd there was also a December 1989 version of “Hairspray Queen” which the version on Incesticide was recorded on 01/23/88, so I wonder what a Late 1988 Studio Version of Hairspray Queen would sound like!?)
but the December 1988, Bleach Sessions and I guess the January 14 & 24, 1989 sessions May have been mixing/mastering sessions.

so 11/23/88 Kurt first used the beat up $20 Left-Handed Fender neck with Blank Headstock, Fender Body which was originally in Red Finish either the original owner or Kurt himself sanded it down to Bare Wood / Walnut Finish, and it had the Original Fender Vibrato/Tremolo Plate and the Original White Mustang Pickguard, everything else was made from parts of his Univox Hi-Flier…

and Yeah, I think That they just build 3 Home Made Hybrid Mustangs (only difference is the first one in Sonic Blue had a black Pickguard with Jesus on It)
other then that all 3 are exactly the same (only differences are probably the Neck Plates, and whatever Vol Knob he used on whatever Hybrid Mustang)! All 3 of them had Chandler Necks with the Headstock painted all Black, Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Metal Mustang Control
Plate with a Vol Knob/ In Put Jack).
the Black Pickguard with Jesus Sonic Blue Mustang had a Fernandez Neck Plate, etc… (well the Univox-Stang as I call it was used and smashed on February 9, 1990 Pine Street Theatre, Portland, OR it was smashed beyond repair, then the first Sonic Blue Mustang with the Jesus Pickguard it was only used twice in one day, it was first used on February 14, 1990 – “Rough Trade Records”, San Francisco, CA and “Kennel Club”, San Francisco, CA…

then Kurt used the Pink Shell
Mustang on February 16, 1990 which was used on the “D-Songs” and was then smashed at the end of the Bogart’s, Long Beach, CA.

then the following day February 17, 1990 at Iguana’s, Tijuana, Mexico which Kurt smashed beyond repair. Kurt first got the beat up smashed 70s Gibson SG on July 16, 1989 and Kurt didn’t do any repairs to the Gibson SG until sometime after the end of their European Bleach Tour which ended on December 3, 1989 (but Nirvana didn’t head back to Seattle until around December 5, 1989 give or take)…

December 20, 1989 Kurt Cobain Buys a Black and White Left-Handed Hondo 737 Les Paul Copy from Top Kick Jewelry and Loans, Tacoma, WA.

and January 6, 1990 Hub Ballroom, Husky Union Building, the University of Washington, Seattle, WA Kurt had the 1970s Gibson SG, Hondo 737 and Epiphone ET-270 (the Epiphone wasn’t used live I think it just stayed against the wall). Kurt used the Hondo 737 Les Paul Copy from January 6, 1990 East Ballroom, Husky Union Building, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA and Smashed it 6 days later on January 12, 1990 Satyricon, Portland, OR.
and the Gibson SG was used on and off
from January 6, 1990 Hub Ballroom, Husky Union Building, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA until February 17, 1990 when Kurt smashed it beyond repair at Iguana’s, Tijuana, Mexico.
(Kurt owned the SG from 07/16/89 – 02/17/89 (5 months less then owning it for a full year)…

Rych
Rych
1 year ago
Reply to  Dan Kopilovic

Not sure if you seen my previous message before but I went In pretty depth about the difference between the “Univox-Stang” (which is the Fender Mustang bought off a student at the Evergreen State College for $20 (as it was only the Neck, Body, and Bridge, Tremolo/Vibrato Plate and Hardtail. Everything else was missing so Kurt just used parts from his smashed Univox Hi-Flier Phase III (which he used from 1984/1985-October 30, 1988).

and as for the Home Made Hybrid Mustangs (they were pretty much Partcasters before they were even a thing)…. Like the First one used and Smashed on 02/14/90 it was Sonic Blue, Black Pickguard with Jesus On It, Then like all of them, they all have Chandler Necks with Black Painted Headstocks, Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Metal Mustang Control Plate and then Vol Knob and Input Jack, and as this Sonic Blue one is the only one with a Pickguard it’s also the only one with a Fernandez Neck Plate, and all 3 had different Vol Knobs, if I’m not mistaken I think the Sonic Blue Jesus Mustang had a Black Univox Hi-Flier Vol Knob, the Shell Pink had a Gold Speed Vol Knob, and then the 3rd and Final Home Made a hybrid Surf Green Mustang had a Silver Barrel Vol Knob,

Anyways if you would like me to go more in depths between Kurt’s Univox Mustang / Home Made Hybrid Mustangs I can if you want just shoot me a message…

I don’t remember the exact time stamp but if you watch this Nirvana Interview from Edgewater Hotel, Seattle, WA (Filmed I think on August 10, 1993)

Kurt & Krist talked about the time they built these Home Made Crappy Hybrid Mustangs, they basically said that they built the bodies out of plywood in the garage and then painted, sanded, and all that shit, and then from all the parts of guitars Kurt owned either from guitars he personally smashed or if he just bought random parts from
different music shops around WA State.
Idk, you always hear about his life, but you never hear about his life in music.
like how did Kurt do equipment shopping like in the early days did Kurt go to stores himself and always buy these pawn shop model guitars, or if he went to music shops or thrift stores or maybe yard-sales and buy whatever music parts or equipment that he wanted or maybe thought would look cool!? then puke

Kurt basically called these 3 Home
Made Hybrid Mustangs Really Shitty and they wouldn’t stay in Tune, I know Kurt said that the hardest part about building those home made mustangs was trying to get the Intonation correct, but Fuck, I tried to build a guitar Body in Woodshop in 7th Grade, it was the worst piece of shit you’d ever seen no way it could of been made into a guitar, one side of the wood was all thinned out and the other side of the wood was massive; totally uneven, I had no idea what I was doing, I never finished as it got worse and worse every time I tried to start over, I have no clue how Kurt knew how to build the bodies to fit just the Maxon Humbucker and have the wire from the Humbucker go from the side over the body to underneath the Vol Knob underneath the Mustang Control Plate… so when Kurt smashed the Univox-Stang 02/09/90, Sonic Blue Jesus Hybrid Mustang 02/14/90, Shell Pink Mustang 02/16/90, 70s Gibson SG smashed/modified, smashed beyond repair on 02/17/90 so Cobain was only 22 years old when he made those 3 Mustangs… (he’d been 23 years old on 02/20/90), so I wonder how Kurt learned how to change and swap pickups, and learn how to build those mustangs bodies etc… like I know Kurt had a very musical family on his moms side so we wonder if like Kurt’s Aunt Mari or if Kurt’s Uncle Chuck Who both were musicians maybe taught Kurt a few things as Kurt was growing up after he started playing guitar wonder if they taught him anything or if Kurt just learn all this on his own!? He was very talented!?

I personally like the Shell Pink Mustang Kurt played on 02/16/90 Bogarts, Long Beach, CA I don’t think those Mustangs sounded crappy, I like how thin the Shell Pink Mustang body was, I bet you that guitar was super light….

aNywAys before I Start Ranting again here’s that link for that Nirvana August 1993 Edgewater Hotel, Seattle, Wa Interview where at some point Kurt and Krist Mentioned when they made these Home Made Mustangs (I think they brought it up after The interviewer asked Kurt that he has an endorsement with Fender and Kurt said yeah, that he has Fender Japan build him MG-69 Fender ‘69 Reissue Made In Japan at The FajiGen Factory in Japan, saying that “Mustangs” are his favorite guitars but he can’t afford Vintage Fender Mustangs (though he claims he does own a few) which is true as he owned the 1969 Fender Lake Placid Blue Competition Mustang with Matching Headstock (80’s Black Seymour Duncan Hotrail Pickup in the bridge, Locked/Blocked Tremolo Plate, Flipped Hardtail) and in October 1992 Kurt added a Gotoh Tune-o-Matic Bridge to the Mustang as everything else is all Original… and he also Owned a Light Green/Surf Green (Or Faded Sonic Blue to Surf Green) Mustang which was used in the Suits/Dresses In Bloom Music Video filmed in October 1992 and it’s also in a small clip of the “Sliver” music video which was filmed In March 1993..
which looks like it’s a 1965/1966 Mustang. So right now since I’ve been up all night right now off the top of my head those 2 are the main Vintage Fender Mustangs Kurt owned, and as Kurt got an Endorsement from Fender to build him brand new ‘69 Reissue Mustangs (they actually built Kurt 8 1993 MIJ Fender Mustangs, 4 in Sonic Blue and 4 in Fiesta Red) Kurt first got 1 Fiesta Red and 1 Sonic Blue in June 1993 (the Fiesta Red Mustang had the Red Tortoise Shell Pickguard which looks like exactly like the Pickguard Kurt added to his Main Sky Blue Mustang) the Fiesta Red Mustang had the Red Tortoise Shell Pickguard, White Mustang Single-Coil Neck Pickup, 90’s White Seymour Duncan JB JR. Single-Coil Humbucker installed in the Bridge, which was used at the 07/23/93 Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY show
and sometime between July – October 1993 Kurt had the Fiesta Red Mustang Pickguard switched to a White Mother O’ Pearl Pickguard, the Single-Coil a neck pickup cover to Black, and changed the White Seymour Duncan JB JR pickup to a Black Full-Size JB Humbucker along with a Tune-o-Matic Bridge and locked Tremolo and a flipped Hardtail, then had the same work done on his one Sonic Blue Mustang which he added the Red Tortoise Shell Pickguard that was on The Fiesta Red Mustang and added a White Mustang pickup cover for the Neck, and Routed it out for a Bridge Humbucker which Kurt added a White Seymour Duncan JB Humbucker as well as Tune-o-Matic bridge, Locked Tremolo, Flipped Hardtail (this became known as Kurt’s Main Mustang which Kurt had named this one “Sky-Stang I” and the Fiesta Red became known as “Oranj-Stang”). Then Kurt was given 2 more Sonic Blue Mustangs which he did and had the same exact mods added to these other 2 Sonic Blue Mustangs (Red Tortoise Shell Pickguard, White Single-Coil Neck pickup, Black Sliders, Black Seymour Duncan JB Humbuckers, Tune-o-Matic Bridge, locked tremolo and Flipped Hardtail (these became known as “Sky-Stang II” and “Sky-Stang III”) the Sky-Stang III was never played live that one Kurt kept home in its case, (as he already have Sonic Blue 1, Fiesta Red, and Sonic Blue 2 mustangs, around the time Kurt started using the “Sky-Stang II” Mustang live Fender has already been working on Kurt’s Custom guitar “Jag-Stang” as Kurt got the Prototype Sonic Blue Jag-Stang it had Fender Stock Pickup, DiMarzio H-3 Humbucker, Mustang bridge, (Kurt occasionally used the Jag-Stang live in Dec 1993 but said he doesn’t like it much it feels like there’s something missing and before they went to Europe in 1994 Kurt Had Earnie Bailey do the same Mods that the Mustangs had be done to his Jag-Stang before the European tour starts, so Earnie switched the Fender Stock Neck Pickup to a Fender Texas Special Single-Coil Neck Pickup, and a a white Seymour Duncan JB Humbucker in the Bridge, and then locked Tremolo, Flipped Hardtail, and a Tune-o-Matic Bridge added (that’s why you see Kurt play the Jag-Stang more during the European In Utero Tour then he did on the American In Utero Tour…), then Fender Japan was getting ready to mail Kurt out the Prototype of the Fiesta Red Jag-Stang and the other 4 1993 MIJ Mustangs (3 Fiesta Reds, 1 Sonic Blue) but as they were getting to mail these out to Kurt they heard about his passing so the (4)1993 Fender MG-69’ Reissue Mustangs (the 3 Fiesta Reds and the 1 Sonic Blue) since they were made for Kurt (and these ones were still stock as they weren’t modified by Kurt’s Tech like he did with the other 4 mustangs that Kurt been using on the In Utero tour, so the last 4 mustangs were sold around different music shops in Japan (so if some Japanese Left-Handed guitarist bought a Sonic Blue Or Fiesta Red Mustangs that we’re made in Japan in 1993 and are 69’ Reissues) they could own a guitar that was made directly for Cobain but he passed before he got them so they ended being sold on Japan around different music shops.

Fender Japan makes better guitars in then Fender Mexico or Fender USA.
idk Japan guitars Are usually the best if they were made by either these 2companies “Matsumoku” (Univox, Epiphone, Tesico, Electra, Memphis, Hondo, etc…..) or the FejiGen Factory which is the factory that makes Fender For Japan… (Fender Japan guitars are so much better quality and sound wise then Fenders made in Mexico or USA that here in the states they try to not sell Fender Japan… (they want you to buy Fender USA or Fender Mexico) but I prefer Japanese made guitars from the mid-late 60s- Early 80s- Early-Mids 90s
(2012-2014 Fender Made In Japan Kurt Cobain Signature Model Mustang (Sonic Blue & Fiesta Red).
(Fender Made in Japan Mustangs, Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars, etc)….then I love Late 60s to 70s Matsumoku Made in Japan guitars like
my all Time Favorite guitars ever made are Univox Hi-Fliers, they sound amazing and they are the perfect size for my bad back it’s not to heavy and it has a semi- short scale. So they are my favorite Brand/Model ever made… and there’s plenty other Japanese guitars I own and ones I eventually want to Own.
besides playing my Favorite Japanese Brand/Model “Univox Hi-Flier” and then there’s other amazing brands like 70s MIJ Epiphone Guitars, or Aria Pro II Cardinal Series,), etc…

anyways there I go off on a rant again, my apologies, well anyways here is that Nirvana August 1993 Interview where Kurt & Krist talk about the time they made those 3 Home Made Hybrid Mustangs…..

https://youtu.be/1rhotCKLwcQ

Rych
Rych
1 year ago

The thing about this “Mustang” which I nicknamed the “Univox-Stang” I’m pretty sure it’s not a Greco made Mustang, I reached out to a former employee that worked for Greco in the Late 60s-70s and said that he doesn’t remember Greco ever making a Mustang copy (they made Strats, Tele, Les Pauls, etc… copies, but don’t remember there ever being Mustang Greco copies being made), so I believe this is an Early – Mid 70s Fender Mustang (as Kurt and Krist said they bought this Fender Mustang for $20 from a student at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA (apparently it was just the Neck, Body and Tremolo/Vibrato Plate) it was originally painted Red (it’s unclear if an original owner removed the Red finish or if Kurt did but it was sanded down to Bare Wood (but it was a Dark Mocha/Walnut Finish, Since Kurt smashed his first guitar on 10/30/88 K Dorm, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA and besides the original Fender Body and Tremolo Plate, Hardtail And Bridge, then the Original Fender Neck (which had a Blank Headstock), I believe it had a set of those 80s Klusion Tuners, but then Kurt used the parts from his Smashed Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 for the Fender Mustang (which was Kurt’s First left-handed guitar and his first fender Mustang) Kurt added the Univox Hi-Flier Humbucker in the Bridge position, Univox Hi-Flier Pots (Vol/Tone/In Put Jack), along with the Univox Vol/Tone Knobs, the Broken bottom half of the Univox Hi-Flier Pickguard was cut into a Mustang style Control Plate and it also had the original Univox toggle switch but it was disconnected and bent down and covered with silver Duct Tape, and then Kurt had a Soundgarden Sticker on the body of the Mustang, which was first used live on 11/23/88 (next show after Kurt smashed the Univox hi-flier on 10/30/88) it was used for the one live show on 11/23/88 and then it was used for the rest of the songs recorded for “Bleach” along with “Big Long Now” during the Bleach Sessions recorded during 12/24-29, 31, 1988 and January 14 & 24, 1989 they recorded the rest of “Bleach” which had some outtakes such as “Big Long Now” and they did a version of “Hairspray Queen” recorded in December 1989 (the version of Hairspray Queen that’s on Incesticide was recorded 01/23/88), as for “Bleach” besides the songs “Floyd The Barber”, Paper Cuts”, and “Downer” were all recorded on 01/23/88 with Dale Crover on Drums and also “Love Buzz” and “Big Cheese” which was recorded between June-Sept 1988 (the Jan 23, 1988 & June-Sept, 1988 were recorded with the Sunburst Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 which Kurt used since 1984/1985 – October 30, 1988 – then Kurt started using the Neck, Body and Tremolo Plate, Bridge, Hardtail on the 70s Fender Mustang Then the rest was all parts from his Univox Hi-Flier (so its basically a Univox Hi-Flier but inside the Shell of a Fender Mustang). So then in January 1989, Kurt had just the Univox Humbucker screwed into the body, by January 1989 Kurt added a Home Made Vinyl record Pickguard from a “Thomas Road Baptist Church: Where Are The Dead?” Vinyl as a Pickguard, and that’s what Kurt used since April 1989, (there’s no proof but I personally think the reason Kurt changed the Home Made Vinyl Pickguard, Removed the Soundgarden Sticker and painted the body another Finish) I think that’s because Jason’s Telecaster was also a Bare Wood/Walnut Finish, it also had a Pickguard made from a Record Vinyl (Jason had “Venoms At War With Satan” vinyl record Pickguard and he also had the same exact Soundgarden Sticker underneath his Bridge) so I think Kurt didn’t want his Mustang to match Jason’s Telecaster, so in Late March/Early April Kurt Removed The Soundgarden Sticker, Removed The Vinyl record Pickguard and painted the body Light Green/Surf Green and added an original Vintage Fender White Mustang Pickguard (but kept it with No Neck pickup, No slider switches, the Univox Hi-Flier phase 3 Humbucker screwed into the body in the bridge position, the Univox Pots (Vol/Tone/Input Jack), then the Broken bottom half of your the Univox Pickguard as a Control plate, and had the Univox Vol/Tone Knobs, and the Univox toggle switch which is not connected and bent laying down and covered with sliver Duct Tape, and then the Fender Original Tremolo Bridge Plate, Bridge, and Hardtail everything else was left the same minus the Pickguard was switched a White Original Fender Pickguard, Painted the Body light green and removed the Soundgarden sticker everything else remained the same… (And also that part where you said that “Kurt allegedly bought the Mustang at Guitar Maniacs shop in Tacoma, WA. However, the shop’s owner is only quoted saying that Kurt bought a bunch of Univoxes from him”) I had talked to the owner a bunch of times and told me Kurt had bought a couple random effect-boxes from them (such as the Univox Super Fuzz (which Kurt used in the early days and was stolen from them he band practice space), and Kurt bought a couple random 80s MXR pedals, but as for guitars Kurt usually just bought Univox Hi-Fliers, because at that time that’s the main guitars Kurt played), and after the Mustang was repainted, New White Fender Pickguard and painted light green is the Mustang seen on the Album Cover for “Bleach” after Mid April ‘89 Kurt stopped using it, as in May Kurt started using a natural Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 on May 26, 1989 and in June ‘89 Kurt added Red Spray Paint on the front of the body and top of the Headstock to make it look Sunburst but made it looked more like a “Cherry Sunburst” / Fireglo” it was used from May 26, 1989 to July 13, 1989 when Kurt smashed it beyond repair 45 minutes away from my house at Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ (on July 8 & 9, 1989) Kurt used a Right-Handed Sunburst 1973 Fender Mustang with the Slider Switches and both Pickups removed, the empty Neck Cavity had a piece of masking tape covering the empty neck pocket, then had Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker in the Bridge position, it had a Pearloid Pickguard and it was flipped and strung Lefty, it was used for 2 days and smashed on July 9, 1989 (a week later on July 16, 1989 while in Watertown, MA) a day after Nirvana played at Green Street Station, Jamaica Plains, MA where Kurt had no guitars so he sang and Jason did all the guitar playing) the next day in Watertown, MA at the guitarist from The Hullabaloo/The Grannies “Sluggo Cawley” and his girlfriend “JJ Gonson” residence, Kurt asked Sluggo if he could have the smashed 70s Gibson SG that was hanging on the wall, but he said then he wouldn’t have one so kurt said he would be right back and went to the van came back with the smashed 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang from 07/09/89 and on 07/16/89 kurt traded his smashed 1973 Fender Sunburst Mustang for a Smashed 70s Gibson SG (which You can see in some pictures of Kurt & Nirvana at Sluggo’s residence, Kurt’s wearing the White Mudhoney Big Muff T-shirt, Black Jeans, converses covered completely with silver duct tape, and in one pic you seek Kurt drinking Strawberry Quik (Nesquik) and could see the back of the 1973 Fender Mustang on the floor, and then there’s like 2 or 3 pics of the entire band and Kurt’s holding this beat-up painted somewhat orange and with black writing all over it. Then on July 18, 1989 (Nirvana played te last show of the Bleach USA Tour as Kurt cancelled the rest of the tour after this show as Kurt and Jason weren’t on speaking terms, On July 18, 1989 Kurt used a White Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 which his girlfriend Tracy Marander had bought Kurt in Seattle (while Kurt was on tour in the U.S. for the first time, Tracy gave it to Matt Lukin to give to Kurt when he saw him), Kurt used the White Univox hi-Flier for a One-off show on 08/26/89 and then from 09/26/89-10/13/89 Nirvana played the Rescheduled Bleach USA Tour shows they cancelled back in July ‘89 then October 23, 1989 – December 3, 1989 Nirvana did their first UK/Europe Tour and Kurt used the White Univox hi-flier until November 11, 1989 when Kurt smashed it at Ecstasy, Berlin, West Germany. Then started on November 5 – 27, 1989 Kurt used a Red 60’s Hagstrom II (F-200) which was used and smashed on 11/27/89 at the Piper Club, then the next day off Bruce Pavitt from Sub Pop took Kurt to the Coliseum in Rome Italy, the Vatican, and also bought Kurt a new guitar since Kurt didn’t have any more guitars with him so Bruce Pavitt bought Kurt a Black and White Washburn Force 31 which looks semi-similar to a Stratocaster except it has one Black Humbucker in the Bridge and one black Vol knob, Kurt used it for the last 5 shows of the Bleach European Tour (11/29/89, 11/30/89, 12/01/89, 12/02/89, 12/03/89) and it was smashed at the end of 12/03/89 Astoria Theatre (Lame Fest UK ‘89), London, UK… then on December 20, 1989 Kurt purchased a Black and White Hondo 737 Left-Handed Les Paul Copy from Top Kick and Jewelry & Loans, Tacoma, WA and Kurt also fixed up that 70s Gibson SG he got back on July 16, 1989 Kurt had painted the entire body front and back Daphne Blue/Sonic Blue, has a Univox Hi-Flier Humbucker in the Bridge position, then had the black Neck Single-Coil from the 1973 Fender Mustang was screwed into the Neck Pocket, then all the Knobs were removed except for the bridge Vol knob, Which Kurt had either a Univox Vol Knob or some type of Speed Knob as a Vol knob, then 3 pieces of White Tape, then the bottom corner was filled with tons of black Duct tape (maybe holding the body together!?), then the back of the Neck and Headstock was sanded down to bare wood, then the headstock had the Gibson Logo on Headstock With the Gibson Diamond logo in the middle of headstock and no truss Rod cover, the Gibson SG and the Hondo 737 Les Paul Copy were both used for the first time on 01/06/90 Hub Ballroom, Husky Union Building, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA (the Hondo 737 was used for 6 days it was first used on Jan 6, 1990 Hub Ballroom, Seattle and was Smashed on Jan 12, 1990 Satyricon, Portland, OR and the Gibson SG was used on and off from Jan 6, 1990 to February 17, 1990 when it was smashed beyond repair at Iguana’s, Tijuana, Mexico…. Kurt also had built 3 Home Made Hybrid Mustangs (which were like Partcasters), this Univox Fender Mustang was used from 11/23/88 until April 7, 1989 (then it wasn’t used until February 9, 1990 when it was brought back at the end of the Pine Street Theaters, Portland, OR when it was smashed), then 5 days later on February 14, 1990 Kurt used his First Home made Hybrid Mustang which was Sonic Blue, a Chandler Neck with its Headstock painted all Black, had a Fernandez Neck Plate, a Black Pickguard with a picture of Jesus on it, a Black Maxon Humbucker in the Bridge, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Vol Knob, Input Jack, it was first used at the Record Store performance and then live at the Kennel Club, San Francisco, CA. Then 2 days later on the Drop D songs Kurt used the second Home Made Hybrid Mustang this one was in Shell Pink and had a Chandler Neck with its Headstock painted all Black, Custom Home Made Mustang body painted Shell Pink with just a Hole Cavity in the Bridge for the Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, then the wire from the Humbucker comes up the side of the Humbucker and goes over the top of the body to the Mustang Control plate that it goes under the Metal Mustang control plate under the Vol Knob for which was a Gold Univox Vol Knob, No Tone, Emory Hole where Tone Knobs goes, and then an Input-Jack, it was only used and smashed on February 16, 1990 Bogarts, Long Beach, CA and The next day February 17, 1990 Iguana’s, Tijuana, Mexico Kurt smashed the Gibson SG guitar. So in Feb 1990 Kurt smashed 4 guitars (Univox-Stang, Jesus Home Made Hybrid Mustang, Home Made Shell Pink Mustang and 70s Gibson Modified SG)…. Kurt’s main guitar from here until About 2 months later, Kurt’s Main guitar was 70s Epiphone ET-270 and which Kurt smashed on April 26, 1990 due to sound problems, so Kurt smashed the ye Epiphone beyond repair, then until either a April 27-30, 1990 (or April 27 – May 1, 1990) Kurt used the 3rd and Final Home Made Hybrid Mustang which was in Surf Green (seen in clips of the Sub Pop In Bloom Music Video filmed on April 28, 1990 when Nirvana played at Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ once again 45 minutes away from my house), it’s unclear weather this Surf Green Home Made Hybrid Mustang (which was made exactly like the Shell Pink Mustang but painted Surf Green) it’s claimed it was smashed on April 30, 1990 at J.C. Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA but Kurt didn’t buy a new guitar until May 2, 1990 so that makes me think Kurt used the Home
Made Hybrid Surf Green Mustang was used until April 27-May 1, 1990 where at the end of the May 1, 1990 Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill, NC where at the end of the show Kurt had smashed 2 out of 3 of his Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads, apparently someone in a the crowd that night bought one of Kurt’s Smashed Sunn Beta Lead amp head for $100, so I think May 1st, Kurt smashed his 3rd and Final Home Made Hybrid Surf Green Mustang and 2 Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads, and Kurt the following day. May 2, 1990 Kurt purchased the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series guitar and the Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp/Crown Power Base 2 PowerAmp before Nirvana’s show that night May 2, 1990 The Milestone, Charlotte, NC… (Kurt would use the Mesa Boogie & Crown Power Amp as his Main Amp Heads until May 2nd – Feb 1992), but on May 13, 1990 when Nirvana played at Duffy’s Tavern, Lincoln, NE Kurt had 2 Subwoofer looking type of Speaker Cabs, then his 1 Sunn Beta Lead Amp Head (as he smashed his 2 other Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads on May 1), and Kurt had a DOD Compression/Sustainer Pedal that is hooked up to the Sunn Beta Lead Amp Head, there’s a small patch cable that goes from the Middle (Both A + B) Input on the Sunn Beta Lead, then hooked up to the DOD Compressor/Sustainer pedal that’s sitting on top of the Sunn Beta Lead Amp Head, then has a long Redish/Orange Cable going from the DOD Pedal to Kurt’s Made in Japan Arion HU-8500 Stage Tuner and then another long Black cable goin from the Arion HU-8500 Stage Tuner to his Made in Japan Boss DS-1 pedal…and then the final cable going from the 80’s MIJ Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal to the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series guitar (not sure why for this show Kurt used the Sunn Beta Lead instead of the Mesa Boogie and Crown Power Base 2 like he was using since May 2, 1990, and no clue what he was using the DOD Compressor/Sustainer pedal is used for as that was the only show I’ve seen Kurt used that pedal… ) after a few days of owning the Aria Pro II Kurt modified it a tiny bit, replace the original Aria Pro II Made in Japan Zebra Humbucker from the bridge and added an All Black Humbucker in the bridge, (which to me looks like exactly like one of those Made in Japan Black Maxon Humbuckers that we’re in all 3 of his Home Made Hybrid Mustangs), then removed one of the mini-toggle switch, and then removed 3 of the control knobs, and kept only a Vol Knob for the Bridge Vol Knob for which Kurt had a Gold Univox Hi-Flier Vol Knob, and Kurt took the off white/tan plastic toggle switch tip off and then bent that in the “Up” position (which would technically be in a the “Down” position as it’s a right-handed guitar flipped and strung Lefty), and has been the second mini-toggle switch which I think is the phase-in, phase-out switch. This Aria Pro II was used from May 2, 1990 – May 17, 1990 (as It was Chad Channing played his last show with Nirvana),

July 11, 1990 during TAD’s Studio Session at Reciprocal Recording, Seattle, WA Kurt called up and asked Jack Endino if they could come in and record a song real quick as TAD wasn’t happy about it as it’d be cutting into TAD’s Studio Time, but as TAD was a big dude, Jack Figured send them
out to Dinner and by the time they return Nirvana should be done and out of the Studio, so Since Nirvana had to borrow TAD’s Equipment to not mess up their Studio Setup, Kurt obviously used his Aria Pro II guitar, his Boss DS-1 Distortion and maybe his 1981 Electro-Harmonix Small Clone pedal (which Kurt purchased the EHX Small Clone sometime in 1990). And Krist used his Gibson SL-9 The Ripper Ebony Bass and ProCo Rat Pedal and Mudhoney’s Dan Peters on Drums recorded one or 2 instrumental takes of “Sliver” on July 24, 1990 Kurt returned to the Studio to just lay down the vocals for “Sliver” or if Kurt also did some guitar overdubs, not 100% sure can’t remember at this exact moment… then August Nirvana (with Dale Crover on Drums) played an 8-show tour Opening up for Sonic Youth on their Goo West Coast Tour, On August 13, 1990 Kurt and Krist Seen Scream play Live at the I-Beam, San Francisco, CA. Sometime in August 1990, Kurt Cobain buys the Mosrite Gospel Mark IV guitar from Real Guitars, San Francisco, CA. Then the Sonic Youth West Coast Tour which lasted from August 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 1990 and Then they next play on September 22, 1990 Motor Sports International Garage, Seattle, WA which had Dan Peters on drums (Dave Grohl was in the Audience of this show, as Scream recently broke up in the middle of the tour and Dave was stranded in California somewhere so he called up the Melvins and Buzz told him to that Nirvana is looking for a drummer). So he flew to Seattle, at the end of the show Kurt smashed his Aria Pro II guitar and used his Mosrite Gospel Mark IV as his main guitar, until Mid October when Nirvana did a BBC Session and then a 6-Date Tour (“Sliver UK Tour”) with L7 opening up for Nirvana, they did their BBC Session on 10/21/90 then they played in the UK 10/23/90, 10/24/90, 10/25/90, 10/26/90, 10/27/90, 10/29/90 then on 10/31/90 Halloween at Krist Novoselic’s Residence, S. 40th Street, Tacoma, WA Krist filmed some home video while Kurt play guitar and sing in the corner Kurt is using his first Fender Stratocaster which was a 1990 White MIJ Fender Stratocaster which Kurt swapped the bridge single-coil to a Black Angled Humbucker (which is most likely some type of Japanese made Humbucker) and then had the “K” Records sticker on the body, this Strat became Kurt’s main guitar as the Mosrite Gospel became his back up… Then the last 2 shows of 1990 (11/25/90 The Off Ramp, Seattle, WA & 12/31/90 Satyricon, Portland, OR Kurt played with the White Japanese Fender Stratocaster), In 1991 Kurt played a show at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA on Jan 18, 1991 and Kurt had his Stella 12-String Sunburst acoustic guitar which only had 5 nylon strings on it which he purchased on October 12, 1989 it was leaning against Kurt’s speaker Cabinet, and Kurt used his a white Japanese K Records Stratocaster for the whole show (except for “endless, nameless”) Kurt used a Red Stratocaster Style With Matching Headstock Matsumoku Made in Japan “Memphis” Strat Copy which was smashed the guitar with a Hammer at the end of the show… on February 9, 1991 at The mushroom, Olympia, WA (Kurt and Dave joined Slim Moon’s band “Witchypoo” and this was the last time Kurt played his Mosrite Gospel Mark IV guitar, after that in March to April 1991, Kurt was using his White Fender MIJ Stratocaster with Black Angled Unknown Humbucker and K Records Logo Sticker, and in March 1991 Kurt got a second Fender MIJ Stratocaster which was Black with a White Pickguard and had a Black Humbucker in the Bridge, these 2 Strats were used up until they went into Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA. And during the studio recording of “Endless, Nameless” Kurt smashed the neck off the Black and White Strat, they finished recording “Nevermind” May 2-28, 1991 and on May 29, 1991 Nirvana played a show at Jabberjaw, Los Angeles, CA and then they played a 10-date tour opening up for Dinosaur JR. Green Mind West Coast Tour from June 10-20, 1991. And Kurt was using his 3rd Brand new Fender MIJ Stratocaster this one was Black with a 3-Ply (Black/White/Black) Pickguard, with the Original White MIJ Neck/Middle Single-Coil Pickups and a Black Seymour Duncan SH-1N ‘59 Neck Humbucker in the Bridge position (by August 1991, this Strat had the “Vandalism Beautiful as A Rock in A Cops Face” Bumper Sticker from the Arizona State punk band “The Feederz” 1986 Album Teachers in Space. Nirvana played at The Beehive Music and Video, Seattle, WA which they played on September 16, 1991 and then on September 18, 1991 Kurt Cobain purchased a V300L Ibanez Left—Handed Acoustic and a GC70 Guitar Case from Music 6000, Lacey, WA (you can hear audio/see pics of Kurt playing this Ibanez V300L Acoustic he bought on 09/18/91 you can see Kurt use it on 10/14/91 The Northern Lights, Minneapolis, MN And then by the time Nirvana did their Nevermind North American Tour in September 1991, Kurt had his Black and White Fender Stratocaster which had its Neck broken off during the Nevermind Sessions during Endless, Nameless for the North American Nevermind Tour which started on 09/20/91 Kurt had a New Fender MIJ Stratocaster Neck installed on the Stratocaster, then had the Neck and Middle Single-Coil Pickups lowered, and then Black Humbucker in the Bridge, with the Thin Metal Ibanez style Bridge mounting Ring screwed into a the Pickguard over the Bridge Humbucker, and Then the Fender Bridge was replaced with a Gibson Style ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic Bridge and Stop Tailpiece added to the Stratocaster and half the headstock was sanded down (except for the Fender Logo) and has what looks
like it says “Chaka” written in Black Sharpie Marker; this Strat was used again from September 20-October 12, 1991 and it was smashed, then from October 14-19, 1991 Kurt used his 1969 Fender Lake Placid Blue Competition Mustang with Matching Headstock, until he smashed it against the mixing board at the 10/19/91 where Kurt didn’t totally broke the 1969 Lake Placid Blue Mustang, but damage is the lower Neck Joint, then Kurt in Late October 1991 Kurt started using the “Vandalism” Stratocaster which now has a Fernandez LE-1 Neck (which was also made in Japan at the FejiGen factory same place as the Vandalism Fender MIJ Stratocaster Body), the North American Nevermind Tour was from September 20 – October 31, 1991 then they started their European Nevermind tour which was 11/04/91 – 12/07/91 in Europe 1991 Kurt got a new Fender Japan White Stratocaster which Kurt kept all Stock and it was used from 11/05/91-11/23/91 when it was smashed In Belgium, then 2 days later on 11/25/91 Kurt started using the Vandalism Fender Stratocaster again but this time it has a Blank Kramer Neck on the body now, it was used from 11/25/91 – 12/07/91 (Kurt got a brand new Black and White Fender MIJ Stratocaster which has a Black Seymour Duncan Hotrail Pickup in the Bridge position), and Kurt smashed tye Vandalism Stratocaster on 12/07/91 sometime in 1992 Earnie Bailey (Kurt’s guitar Tech) added a Brand new Fender Japan Stratocaster Neck onto the Vandalism body, but Kurt still never used it again…

then, there’s a shit ton of guitars that Kurt owned, used but never played live, etc… there is just so many guitars to keep track off and I can be here all day talking about Kurt’s Guitars from February 20, 1981 – April 5, 1994. (I went off on a bit of a massive rant, but just wanted to give more feedback Kurt’s first Mustang this one from 11/23/88 with all Univox Parts and the Soundgarden Sticker and Then Later on tye Thomas Road Baptist Church: “Where Are The Dead?” Vinyl Record Pickguard.

just wanted to let you know that this Mustang used from 11/23/88-04/14/89 then used on 02/09/90 and was smashed at the end of the Pine Street Theater, Portland, OR and The Home Made Hybrid Sonic Blue Mustang with the Black Jesus Pickguard which was used at the Record Store Performance and the Kennel Club show on 02/14/90 that was smashed are 2 different guitars… smashed the same month 5 days apart, but they are not the same guitar which is easy to figure out as the Univox-Stang which was used from 11-23-88 – 04-14-89, and then was used and smashed on 02/09/90 Pine Street Theater it had the Fender Vibrato/Tremolo Plate as all 3 Home Made Hybrid Mustangs (Sonic Blue, Shell Pink and Surf Green) were all made the same, all had Chandler Necks with the Headstock painted Black, Black Maxon Humbucker in the Bridge, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Metal Mustang Control Plate (with Vol Knob / In-Put Jack) no Tone Knobs, where the Tone Belongs that hole was left empty, and The Maxon Humbucker was hooked from where it’s screwed into the body, to the Vol Knob which goes under the Vol Knob (all 3 had different Vol Knobs, one had the Gold Univox Hi-Flier Knob, another one had a Speed Knob, and the other had a Silver Barrel Style Knob). They all 3 had Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridges, Chandler Necks with Headstock Painted All Black, Black Maxon Humbucker, and just a Vol/Input Jack, besides the first home made hybrid Mustang having the Black Pickguard with the picture of Jesus on it, the other 2 were made exactly the same just different finish colors and different Vol knobs other then that, they all had the same brand parts the Shell Pink / Surf Green Home Made Mustangs, Which Kurt & Krist talk about these Home Made Hybrid Mustangs That they built in 1990, in an Interview which I think Is from August 10, 1993 (100% August 1993), Edgewater Hotel, Seattle, WA but can’t remember the exact date but I am pretty sure it was August 10, 1993

Arnaud
Arnaud
2 years ago

Hello! just say that on the image of the mustang (guitar mockups), the univox humbucker is missing!

sorry for my average english

Rych
Rych
2 years ago

Hopefully this will help you guys out with the page, the first “Left-Handed” Mustang Cobain ever had was the one he first used on 11/23/88 which he used broken parts from his Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 guitar that he smashed the previous month on 10/30/88 in Olympia. As that Univox Hi-Flier was the first time Kurt smashed his guitar. So the next time Nirvana played was 11/23/88 and Kurt had a Left-Handed Fender Mustang. I know you think it’s a “Greco” Mustang but I search and Greco Never Made a Mustang style guitar. So it’s definitely a Fender Mustang. And it’s unclear when Cobain got that First Left-Handed guitar that Mustang, he used at the 11/23/88 show it’s unclear weather if the Mustang was just the Body and Neck or if it was a complete Mustang. Either way at the 11/23/88 show it had no Pickguard, and only had the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker screwed into the bridge position, and had a Soundgarden Sticker on the upper body, by Jan’89 that’s when Cobain added the Vinyl Record Pickguard of the Thomas Baptist Church “Where Are The Dead” sermon Vinyl which Kurt turned it into a Pickguard. It was used from 11/23/88 – 04/07/89 (it was the Mustang seen on the cover of “Bleach”) by April ’89 Cobain removed the Soundgarden Sticker and the Home Made Vinyl Record Pickguard off the Mustang and added a White Mustang Pickguard and painted the body green. It was last seen in April ’89 until 02/09/90 Kurt brought it to the Pine Street Theater, Portland, OR show and smashed it beyond repair….

The Home Made Hybrid Mustangs that had Chandler Necks with the Headstock Painted Black, and the body was painted Light Blue (kind of close to Sonic Blue), and had the Pickguard with Jesus on it and it had a Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, a Mustang Control Plate with just a Vol Knob and Input Jack. That was one of three Home Made Hybrid Mustangs Kurt had made, that Light Blue Mustang was only used once it was used 02/14/90 early in the day at Rough Trade Records, San Francisco, CA then later that night at The Kennel Club, San Francisco, CA where it was also smashed beyond repair. Then 2 days later on 02/16/90 at Bogart’s Long Beach, CA Kurt used his second Home Made Hybrid Mustang which was Shell Pink (it had no Pickguard, only one Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Control Plate with a Good Speed Knob, Input Jack. And you can see the wire from under the Maxon Humbucker go over the body straight to the Vol Knob and then underneath the control plate straight to the Input Jack, this Mustang was also only used once when Kurt smashed it at the end of the 02/16/90 Bogart’s Long Beach, CA show. The next day 02/17/90 Iguanas, Tijuana, Mexico Kurt smashed his 1970s Gibson SG and from 02/17/90 – 04/26/90 Kurts one and main guitar was the Epiphone ET-270 guitar which would later be smashed at the Pyramid Club, New York, NY on April 26, 1990 then from April 27-30, 1990 Kurt used the Third and final Home Made Hybrid Mustang which was Surf Green, (which is seen in the Sub Pop In Bloom Music Video) as that was recorded 45 mins away from my house at Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ on April 28, 1990. This Surf Green Mustang was either smashed on April 30, 1990 at J.C. Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA or on May 1, 1990 at The Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill, NC (as the 05/01/90 show at the end Kurt smashed his Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads as Cobain was using 3 of them from Feb – May 1, 1990 when Kurt smashed them, so not sure if the Surf Green Mustang was smashed along with the Amps on May 1, 1990 or the day before on April 30, 1990. As we know on May 2, 1990 Kurt bought an Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-250, Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp and Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp before Nirvana’s show that night at The Milestone, Charlotte, NC (even though in early ’90 Kurt used 3 Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads, and they were smashed on 05/01/90 Kurt must of only smashed 2 of them as for some reason from May 2, 1990 – May 11, 1990 Kurt used his Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp & Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp but at the May 13, 1990 show at Duffy’s Tavern, Lincoln, NE Kurt used one Sunn Beta Lead Amp Head at that show which he also had a Red DOD Compressor and Sustainer pedal on top of the Sunn Beta Lead Amp Head,

But not to get off topic, Kurts first Mustang was the one he used on 11/23/88 which I don’t know if Kurt bought a complete Mustang and took it apart and rebuilt it himself or if he just got the body and neck which on the inside (before the vinyl record pickguard was ever added) you can see the Mustang was originally Red, In which either Kurt or the previous owner sanded the body down to bare wood (which gave it that “Walnut” looking finish) and used parts from his smashed Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 installed the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker, then used the broken half of the Univox Hi-Flier Pickguard as a control plate, which also had the Univox pots, vol + tone knobs and input Jack. Kurt also still had the Univox toggle switch on the Mustang but it was bent down and covered with duct tape. (This was basically a Univox Hi-Flier inside a Fender Mustang body) then Jan’89 Kurt added the Vinyl Record Pickguard, and had a Soundgarden Sticker on the body. (Jason Everyman Telecaster was also sanded down/walnut Finish like Kurts Mustang, Jason also had a Vinyl Record Pickguard of Venoms At War with Satan, and had the same exact Soundgarden Sticker that Kurt had underneath the bridge of his Telecaster. So idk if that is the reason Kurt decided to change his Mustang by Adding a White Mustang Pickguard, removing the Soundgarden Sticker and painting the body light green. Besides that it still had the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker, Broken Univox Pickguard as control plate, Univox Pots, Vol/Tone Knobs and Input Jack, then after 04/07/89 you haven’t seen Kurt use the Mustang anymore as he used 2 Univox Hi-Fliers, and a couple other miscellaneous guitars for the rest of 1989 into early 1990, until he smashed it at the Pine Street Theater show in Portland on Feb 9, 1990. (And that’s the broken mustang that’s at the Experience Music Project/MoPoP in Seattle). And the Home Made Hybrid Mustang Kurt had built was Sonic Blue (only one with a Pickguard with Jesus on it) that was use once amd smashed 02/14/90, then the Shell Pink Mustang use once and smashed on 02/16/90 and the third and final Home Made Hybrid Mustang the Surf Green was used at least 4 or 5 shows and WA smashed either 04/30/90 or 05/01/90… So all these Mustangs were all smashed beyond repair. And the Next Mustang Kurt got and used was the infamous 1969 Fender Lake Placid Blue Competition Mustang with Matching Headstock (used in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video) so from the end of April ’90 to about August ’91 Cobain had no Mustangs. The same thing with Kurt using Univox Hi-Fliers the last one he used was the White Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 (that his girlfriend Tracy Marander bought him) when Kurt smashed it on 11/11/89 at Ecstasy, Berlin (West) Germany the next time Kurt owns and plays a Univox Hi-Flier is backstage on October 3, 1992 when Nirvana was the surprise unannounced opening band for Mudhoney. Earnie Bailey (Kurt’s Guitar Tech) had bought and Modified the Univox Hi-Flier Custom Phase 1 for Kurt, which Kurt got backstage on 10/03/92 and without testing it Kurt went on stage and used it. This Univox became Kurts Favorite Univox Hi-Flier Kurt used it 10/03/92, 10/04/92 and 10/30/92 and then the last time Kurt used it live was on 09/25/93 on Saturday Night Live and the very last time Kurt used that Univox Hi-Flier Custom Phase 1 was on January 30, 1994 at Robert Lang Studios, North Seattle, WA while recording “You Know You’re Right”

Someone
Someone
2 years ago

It’s a real lefty Fender Mustange he bought off an Evergreen State College student in late 1988, modified soon after with a Maxon/Univox humbucker from one of his smashed Hi-flyers.
The tuquoise one mentioned later was one of three he carved himself in 1990 with Chandler necks and aftermarket humbucker pickups (possibly Maxon/Univox ones). There’s a 1993 interview on youtube where Kurt and Krist reminise about building them together.

Rych
Rych
2 years ago

The Sanded Down/Bare Wood Fender Mustang which had the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker and the Broken Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Pickguard as a Control Plate (you can see it still has the toggle switch, which Kurt has duct tape down) and it has the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Pots (Vol/Tone/In-Put Jack) then had a Soundgarden Sticker added above the Bridge and then the Pickguard made from a vinyl record of a Christian sermon dubbed Where Are The Dead? published by Thomas Road Baptist Church. Then in April ’89 when Kurt removed the Soundgarden Sticker And the Vinyl Record Pickguard And painted the Mustang Light Blue and and add a Mustang White Pickguard but left everything else the same. This was used in April ’89 and disappeared as in May ’89 Kurt started using a Natural Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 and several other guitars throughout the rest of the year, but this guitar returned at the end of the February 9, 1990 Pine Street Theater, Portland, Oregon Show and was smashed beyond repair (which is the Mustang you see at MoPop in Seattle)… And Btw it is 100% a Fender Mustang as I search and Found Greco Never Made any Mustang Style guitars.

The home Made Hybrid Mustang Surf Green with the Jesus Pickguard, the Black Maxon Humbucker, Schaller Non-Tremolo Bridge, Control Plate (Vol/In-Put Jack), this was only used one day on February 14, 1990 first at Rough Trade Records (In-Store gig) and then later that night at the Kennel Club, San Francisco, CA where it was Smashed into splinters. The Second Home Made Hybrid Shell Pink Mustang was also only used for one day and was smashed at tye end of the February 16, 1990 Bogart’s, Long Beach, CA show. (A small piece of this Mustang was on display at the Kurt Cobain Ireland Display), then the 3rd and Final Home Made Hybrid Mustang (which was either Surf Green or Light Blue which is seen in the Sub Pop In Bloom Music Video (filmed from the April 28, 1990 Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ show) which was only 45 minutes from my house. But as Kurt smashed his Epiphone ET-270 guitar on April 26, 1990 at the Pyramid Club, New York, NY Kurt had to use the Home Made Hybrid Surf Green Mustang from April 27, 1990 – April 30, 1990 (or maybe May 1, 1990) as May 1, 1990 Kurt Smashed 2 out of 3 of His Sunn Beta Lead Amp Heads. The Following day May 2, 1990 Kurt bought the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-250, Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp, Crown Power Base 2 Poweramp before Nirvana’s show that night at The Milestone.

auak
auak
2 years ago
kurt destroyed a guitar on pine street on 02/09. 
it looks like that guitar, but I'm not sure.
take a look there 
https://livenirvana.com/concerts/90/90-02-09.php
Last edited 2 years ago by auak
Rych
Rych
2 years ago

That entire “Section” that says He often appeared onstage with other models, including a sunburst left-handed Greco Mustang copy that he bought from Guitar Maniacs. The Mustang copy allegedly was destroyed on July 9, 1989, but it may have experienced some form of reincarnation since a similar guitar is seen in photos of Nirvana on January 6, 1990.

“I’ve talked to a Greco collector since the 1960s and Apparently Greco Never made any “Mustang” style guitars….And the Mustang that Kurt used from 11/23/1988 – 02/09/1990 which has gone through many changes as it was originally a Red Finish which was sanded down to brown, and had the Soundgarden Sticker on it and had No Pickguard or Neck Pickup it just had the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker installed in the bridge and the Control Plate was the broken half of the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Pickguard which still had the Toggle switch (if you look closely Kurt used Duct Tape to build a half a wall around it to block it from being hit, and it still had the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Vol, Tone and Input Jack on the Mustang which was a Fender Mustang (Kurts First Left-Handed guitar), as it was used on 11/23/1988 Speedy O’ Tubbs, Rhythmic Underground, Bellingham, WA which was the next show after the 10/30/1988 K208 (Dorm Party) The Evergreen State College Olympia WA where Kurt Smashed his Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst (smashed his guitar for the first time) and Kurt used that Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 from 1985 to 10/30/1988… So the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker and the Broken half of the Pickguard used as a Mustang Control Plate most likely came from that broken Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3. And then In January 1989 Kurt added the Home Made Vinyl Record Pickguard from the Christian Sermon dubbed “Where Are The Dead?” published by Thomas Road Baptist Church.

By April ’89 the Mustang was Painted Light Green, Had a White Pearloid Mustang Pickguard added
but the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker, and the Broken Bottom half of the Univox Hi-Flier Pickguard used as a Control Panel stayed the Same.

One Reason Kurt could of Removed the “Soundgarden” Sticker and the Home Made Pickguard made from a Vinyl Record could be because
Jason Everman, Also had the same exact Soundgarden Sticker under the Bridge of his Telecaster, and also himself had a vinyl record pickguard. In his case, it was a copy of Venom’s At War With Satan.

it disappeared after April ’89 as in May 1989 Kurt used a Natural Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3, In June 1989 Kurt added some Red Spray Paint to try to make it look Sunburst, this Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 was used from 05/26/89 – 07/13/89 when it was smashed at Maxwell’s Hoboken NJ.

The 2 MAIN parts where that “Section” is 100% Wrong is where it said He often appeared onstage with other models, including a sunburst left-handed Greco Mustang copy that he bought from Guitar Maniacs. The Mustang copy allegedly was destroyed on July 9, 1989, That Mustang that was Used for Only 2 Shows (07/08/1989 Club Dreamers, Chicago, IL and 07/09/1989 The Sonic Temple, Masonic Temple, Williamsburg, PA) that was Not a Greco, and was Not Left-Handed, that Mustang was a 1973 Fender Sunburst Mustang (Right-Handed) Flipped upside down and strung Lefty, and it had No Neck Pickup, and had a Piece of Masking tape covering the empty pickup cavity, and had a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker installed in the bridge… Kurt Smashed it at the end of the July 9, 1989 Show and on July 16, 1989 while in Watertown MA Kurt traded the Smashed 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang for a Smashed 1970s Gibson SG from Sluggo Cawley, Guitarist from the Boston band Hullabaloo. It was Smashed into 3 or 4 pieces being held together by Duct tape, it’s the broken Mustang Kurt signed it for Sluggo saying “Yo Sluggo, thanx for the trade. If its illegal to rock and roll, then throw my ass in jail. NIRVANA.” He also wrote “vox pick-up” with an arrow, but I have lost that piece of the pickguard. There are also two of his flowers he liked to draw on things. The guitar has a serial number on the base of the neck – 4900 1853. It is in three or 4 pieces held together by duct tape.

which Sluggo Cawley kept the guitar with him for decades, until he decided to sell in late November 2008 to Adam Sender, a New York Investor with a large private art collection for $100,000.

And the Second thing that is Completely wrong is the “but it may have experienced some form of reincarnation since a similar guitar is seen in photos of Nirvana on January 6, 1990.”

As there was NO MUSTANGS used at the January 6, 1990 East Ballroom, Husky Union Building, University of Washington, Seattle WA show Kurt Mainly used the 1970s Gibson SG that Kurt repaired and painted light blue that he fixed by Adding a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Humbucker in the bridge and some kind of Single-Coil pickup in the neck (which is the Gibson SG Kurt got from Sluggo on July 16, 1989 after trading his Smashed 1973 Sunburst Fender Mustang for the Sluggo’s Broken Gibson SG) and besides the Gibson SG the other Guitar Kurt used was a Black with White Pickguard Right-Handed flipped upside down, Strung Lefty Hondo 737 that Kurt bought on December 20, 1989 from Too Kick Jewelry & Loans, Tacoma, WA.
The 1970s Epiphone ET-270 Red Burst was also there (but wasn’t used), the Hondo 737 only lasted 6 Days, as it was first used on January 6, 1990 East Ballroom Husky Union Building University of Washington Seattle WA and then it was Smashed at the end of the January 12, 1990 Satyricon Portland OR show.

So I figure I would just Correct that False Information……

Keva
Keva
3 years ago

I had a few Japanese Mustangs that were basically exactly the same as a Fenders but with truss rod adjustment at the headstock under a brand called EAGLE. I still have the body somewhere, and it was a multi-piece body out of what looks like mahogany. Very well-made instruments.

Rych
Rych
3 years ago

It’s not a Greco, it’s a Fender, Left Handed…

Make/Model: Fender Mustang, Left-handed.

Finish: Red, Sanded down, Nov ’88 Painted Light Green, April ’89

Pickguard: None, Nov ’88 Fashioned from a Record of a Christian Sermon dubbed “Where Are The Dead?” published by Thomas Road Baptist Church, Jan ’89 White Pearloid, April ’89

Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ dot inlays; 22 frets, Nov ’88 Rosewood w/ dot inlays; 21 frets, Feb ’90

Pickups: H-X (Univox Humbucker installed in the bridge position, neck pickup cavity left empty)

Other Distinguishing features: Control plate fashioned from a broken Univox Pickguard, Soundgarden sticker applied to front, Nov ’88

First Recorded Use: 11/23/88 – Speedy O’Tubbs Rhythmic Underground, Bellingham WA.

Last Recorded Use: 02/09/90 – Pine Street Theater Portland OR.

Cole
Cole
3 years ago
Reply to  Rych

It Defiantly was not a fender cause Kurt couldn’t afford one I really don’t know what brand it was.

Leandro
Leandro
3 years ago

I really don’t think this guitar is a Greco but a real Fender Mustang, if you read Kurt’s Journals you can check out a letter he wrote to Dale Crover where he tells him about a left handed Fender Mustang that he bought from a bunch of “greeners” for 20 bucks because apparently the guitar was in rough shape and he refers to it as a “pre cbs” mustang.

KC6794
KC6794
3 years ago
Reply to  Leandro

Leandro you are correct. There are photos of this guitar that show parts of it pretty close up. In one of those photos you can clearly see the Fender logo on the vibrato. There is also an interview from 1990 with Chad and Krist where Krist describes the guitar and how they attained it. He mentions several times that it was a “real Fender”. When they got the guitar it was missing all the electronics as well as the pickguard and control plate. The guitars above from the Kennel club and from the In Bloom video are not this guitar. They are 2 of 3 homemade Mustangs that Kurt and Krist built.

Last edited 3 years ago by KC6794
Leandro
Leandro
3 years ago
Reply to  Dan Kopilovic

I hope KC6794 answers regarding that interview….in case you need it, here you have a few screenshots of the letter Kurt wrote to Dale Crover. https://imgur.com/IxNy8TV https://imgur.com/vbYqmMr

kurt lover
kurt lover
4 years ago

you forgot kurt strato acoustic guitar, heart shaped box guitar and the nevermind photo set underwater with a les paul

Rych
Rych
3 years ago
Reply to  kurt lover

It’s NOT a Strato Acoustic guitar Kurt had it was a 1986 Kramer Ferrington KFT-1 Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Which has more of a pointy Headstock kind of like a Jackson Guitar) singe the Kramer Ferrington KFT-1 Acoustic/Electric had a Neckplate Kurt just replaced the Neck on the Body of the Kramer Ferrington KFT-1 Acoustic Electric Guitar (Most likely Kurt added a Fender Made In Japan (Fejigen) Stratocaster Neck as they are Short-Scale and More thin then American/Made Fender Stratocasters and plus since Kurt Smashed this Kramer Ferrington KFT-1 Acoustic/Electric in April 92′ it makes more sense as it to be a Japanese Fender Stratocaster Neck as in 1991/1992 Those are the Only Models of Fender Stratocasters Kurt used… (Besides the Sunburst American Stratocaster used at the 1992 Reading Festival) 08/30/1992.
The “Heart-Shaped Box” Guitar is a 1977 Univox Hi-Flier Phase 4 White
serial # 037472. Used in the Heart-Shaped Box video. Purchased at a NYC pawn shop in the Chelsea district. It had vintage Schaller Tuners and a B.C. Rich Made Badass Bridge. It had different string trees than the one used in the video, it had black roller-type graphite string trees. It was used in the “Heart-Shaped Box” Music Video August 31 & September 2, 1993 and then on October 21, Memorial Hall, Kansas City, KS Kurt Smashed the White 1977 Univox Hi-Flier Phase 4.

And the Last guitar you’ve mentioned wasn’t an original Les Paul, it was an Black Epiphone Les Paul which was used for (and probably only for) the “Nevermind” under photoshoot.