Music

Nirvana: Echoes from Hilversum

Delve into the Nirvana memorabilia, including Kurt Cobain's acoustic guitar, Krist Novoselic's bass guitar, and a bass amplifier, all linked to a pivotal 1991 studio session in the Netherlands up for bid in our Music Icons auction, May 30th and 31st at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square.

May 21, 2025

a black and white photo of a band playing in a recording studio

For devotees of rock history, the upcoming Music Icons auction on May 30th and 31st, live from the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City, isn't just a sale; it's a pilgrimage. Amongst the treasures on offer, three instruments stand as potent relics from a pivotal, intimate moment in the trajectory of Nirvana: Kurt Cobain's photo-matched Takamine FP360SC acoustic guitar, Krist Novoselic's photo-matched 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I bass guitar, and the Trace Elliot GP11 Mk V bass combo amplifier they both likely played through. These aren't just instruments; they are tangible links to a raw and revealing session that occurred on November 25th, 1991, in the unassuming Hilversum Studios in the Netherlands, a mere prelude to their explosive performance at Amsterdam's Paradiso later that evening.

The Scene

The air in Hilversum that day echoed in quiet anticipation of a band on the cusp of superstardom. Just weeks after the earth-shattering release of Nevermind, Nirvana was a global phenomenon, their raw energy and poignant lyrics resonating with a generation. Yet, amidst the whirlwind, they carved out time for a unique collaboration with Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA. This wasn't a stadium spectacle; it was an intimate studio session, a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a band whose every move was suddenly under intense scrutiny.

The three songs they laid down that day offer a fascinating snapshot of Nirvana's eclectic influences and burgeoning artistry. Their haunting rendition of Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" showcased Cobain's visceral vocal delivery and the band's ability to tap into the bluesy roots of rock. Their take on The Velvet Underground's "Here She Comes Now" revealed their appreciation for alternative sounds and their knack for reinterpreting classics with their own distinctive edge. But perhaps most intriguing was the unnamed third track, which would later become known as "Horrified." This instrumental piece, with its brooding atmosphere and experimental textures, hinted at the sonic avenues Nirvana might have explored had their journey not been tragically cut short.

a guitar played by kirk cobain and krist novoselic

The Equipment

What makes these instruments particularly compelling is their direct connection to photographic evidence. The unique wood grain of Cobain's left-handed 1989 Takamine FP360SC, its natural gloss finish gleaming under the studio lights, has been meticulously photo-matched to images captured by photographer Michel Linssen during the session. The H.V.K. Music (Herman Van Keeken) sticker still affixed to the back of the headstock serves as a tangible reminder of the local rental house that provided the gear for this impromptu performance. Similarly, the distinctive wood grain of Novoselic's 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I bass, with its satin natural oil finish, allowed for a definitive photo match, including one iconic shot that graced the cover of Rolling Stone Argentina #185. Even the stickers from Music Plant and H.V.K. Music remain on the headstock and body, whispering tales of its temporary loan to the band.

The fact that both Cobain and Novoselic played the Warwick bass during the session, as captured in Linssen's photographs, adds another layer of intrigue to this particular instrument. It underscores the collaborative spirit within the band and the fluid nature of their musical exploration. The accompanying yellow, black, and brown Fender strap, clearly visible in photos of Novoselic wielding the Warwick, further solidifies its provenance.

Completing this sonic tableau is the Trace Elliot GP11 Mk V bass combo amplifier. While specifically used by Novoselic, the very real possibility that Cobain also plugged into it during his bass experimentation adds to its historical significance. The HVK Music rental company sticker, prominently displayed on the stage right panel in session photographs, firmly places this amplifier within the Hilversum studio on that significant day.

558

Music Icons

Nirvana

Kurt Cobain Photo Matched Studio Played Hilversum Session Takamine Acoustic Guitar, Natural with Two Books and CD

A 1989 Takamine FP360SC (LH) acoustic electric guitar, serial #89010543, in natural gloss finish. This Takamine acoustic guitar was played by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during a recording session which took place on November 25th, 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands prior to the band’s performance at Paradiso that same evening. The guitar’s unique wood grain has been matched to photographs taken at the studio by Michel Linssen which can be seen here.

The session, which was a joint effort between Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA, was held at Hilversum Studios. The band meandered through three songs including Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” and a cover of “Here She Comes Now” by The Velvet Underground; the unnamed third song would come to be known as “Horrified.” Accounts of how long the session lasted seem to vary, however only around 20 minutes of recorded material seems to have surfaced, which can be heard here.

Because the band’s equipment was already being set up for that evening’s concert, all of the gear used for the session was backline rental equipment including the drums, bass and bass amp, and this Takamine acoustic guitar, which still has its H.V.K. Music (Herman Van Keeken) sticker affixed to the back of the headstock.

The Takamine FP360SC was made in Japan and is built in left-handed orientation. It features a 25.5” scale length mahogany neck with a bound 20 fret rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, six chrome plated Takamine branded tuners, and a mother of pearl Takamine logo inlay on the headstock. The body wears a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, multi-ply binding, a black plastic pickguard, and a rosewood bridge with a bone saddle, dot inlays, and white bridge pins. The guitar is finished in natural gloss and equipped with Takamine electronics. Includes hardshell case. Also included is a copy of Heavier than Heaven: The Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross, a copy of the paperback book Serving The Servant, Remembering Kurt Cobain, by Danny Goldberg, and a CD copy of Maximum Kurt Cobain: The Unauthorized Biography of Kurt Cobain.

See images from Hilversum session here.

Dimensions:
Category: Instruments and Equipment, Nirvana

559

Music Icons

Nirvana

Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic Studio Played Photo Matched Hilversum Session 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I Electric Bass Guitar, Natural Oil Finish

A 1989 Warwick Dolphin Pro I four string electric bass, serial #G083 89, in satin natural finish. This bass was used by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic of Nirvana during a recording session which took place on November 25th, 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands prior to the band’s performance at Paradiso that same evening. The instrument’s unique wood grain has been matched to photographs taken at the studio, one of which became the cover of Rolling Stone Argentina #185.

The session, which was a joint effort between Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA, was held at Hilversum Studios. The band meandered through three songs including Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” And a cover of “Here She Comes Now” by The Velvet Underground; the unnamed third song would come to be known as “Horrified.” Both Kurt and Krist would play the bass at the studio that day, captured in photos taken by Michel Linssen which can be seen here. Accounts of how long the session lasted seem to vary, however only around 20 minutes of recorded material seems to have surfaced, which can be heard here.

The equipment for the session was backline rental gear including the Warwick bass, which still has its Music Plant inventory stickers affixed to the headstock and back of the body, as well as a sticker for H.V.K. Music, likely Herman Van Keeken Music, also located in Hilversum. The band used backline equipment that day as their own was already being set up for that evening’s concert.

The Warwick Dolphin Pro I was made in West Germany and features a 34” scale length seven piece Wenge and Zebrano neck with thru-body construction, a 26 fret Wenge fretboard, bell brass frets, mother of pearl dolphin position marker inlays, an abalone W inlay at the headstock, four gold plated Warwick tuners, and an adjustable brass nut. The ergonomically contoured body is made of Bioré, a rare African Rosewood, with an oil finish, a gold plated two piece bridge and tailpiece, gold plated knobs, and gold plated Schaller strap lock buttons. The bass is equipped with Bartolini J and MM pickups, a concentric pot for master volume and pickup blend, plus another concentric pot for the active 2-band Treble and Bass EQ, both push-pull for coil splitting each pickup (battery required).

Includes soft case plus an orange Warwick flight case with Music Plant logo and inventory stickers, and two additional soft bags inside the case for protection. Also includes the yellow, black, and brown Fender strap that can be seen in the photos of Krist playing the bass at the aforementioned session.

See images from Hilversum session here.

Dimensions: Case: 48 x 16.5 x 5.5”
Category: Instruments and Equipment, Nirvana

560

Music Icons

Nirvana

Krist Novoselic Studio Played Hilversum Session Trace Elliot GP11 Mk V Bass Combo Amplifier

A c.1980s UK-made Trace Elliot GP11 Mk V 4x10” bass guitar combo amplifier. Used by Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic at a recording session which took place on November 25th, 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands prior to the band’s performance at Paradiso that same evening. Given the fact that Kurt Cobain played the bass at one point during the session, it’s conceivable that he also played through this amp. It appears in photos taken photographs taken during the studio session by Michael Linsson, which can be seen here, here, and here.

As the band’s equipment was already being set up for that evening’s concert, backline rental gear was used at the studio including this Trace Elliot bass amp. Novoselic can be seen playing a Warwick Dolphin bass plugged into this combo, identified by the HVK Music rental company sticker affixed to the stage right panel in full view. Two additional labels found under the Trace Elliot logo on the front panel as well as another on the stage left side are missing.

The Trace Elliot GP11 Mk V bass combo amplifier features two inputs, controls for Gain and Level, an EQ on-off as well as a mid cut switch, an 11 band graphic equalizer, Noise Reduction, an XLR out with a switch for pre or post EQ, line out, effects loop, and four 10” speakers behind a heavy duty metal grille.

See images from Hilversum session here.

Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 13”
Category: Instruments and Equipment, Nirvana

561

Music Icons

Nirvana

Photo Matched Dave Grohl Studio Played Hilversum Session Drums with Cymbals, Stands, and Cases

A Remo Acousticon Quadra 14x8” steel snare drum (serial #36549), a Tama 18x16” floor tom (serial #15411182) in black, a Zildjian 18” Crash Ride cymbal, plus stands and cases all used by Nirvana Drummer Dave Grohl during a recording session which took place on November 25th, 1991 in Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands prior to the band’s performance at Paradiso that same evening. The drums and cymbal have been matched to photographs taken at the studio here, here, and here.

The session, which was a joint effort between Dutch radio stations VPRO and VARA, was held at Hilversum Studios. The band meandered through three songs including Leadbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” and a cover of “Here She Comes Now” by The Velvet Underground; the unnamed third song would come to be known as “Horrified.” Dave Grohl can be seen playing this stripped-down drum kit during the session in photos taken by Michel Linssen which can be seen here.

As the band’s equipment was already being set up for that evening’s concert, backline rental gear was used at the studio including these drums, which still have their HVK Music and inventory stickers affixed to the hardware and the outside of the cases, as well as a Music Plant sticker on the underside of the Zildjian Crash Ride and on the cymbal bag. The Zildjian Crash Ride has “HVK” written in marker on the underside as well as “www.musicplant.nl" which was added later.

This lot includes the snare drum, floor tom, floor tom legs, and the snare stand from the Linssen photos, plus the Zildjian cymbal, cymbal stand, and cases with HVK logos that can be seen in the Linssen photos.

See images from Hilversum session here.

Dimensions:
Category: Guitars & Instruments

The Opportunity for Ownership

The Hilversum session holds a unique place in Nirvana's history. It occurred at a crucial juncture, as they transitioned from underground darlings to global icons. This intimate performance, devoid of the usual stadium bombast, offered a rare glimpse into their core musicality and their willingness to experiment. It stands as a testament to their artistic curiosity and their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, even amidst the burgeoning chaos of fame.

These instruments, bearing the marks of that specific day, are more than just memorabilia. They are conduits to a moment where Nirvana, on the precipice of unimaginable success, laid down a raw and honest performance that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Owning these pieces isn't just about possessing a piece of rock history; it's about holding a tangible link to the artistry, the energy, and the enduring legacy of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. The echoes of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?", "Here She Comes Now," and the haunting strains of "Horrified" seem to linger within their very fibers, waiting to be rediscovered by a fortunate new custodian.

Register and bid now, for this Music Icons auction offers a truly unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of this profound and unforgettable moment.

a black and white photo of a man playing an acoustic guitar

Live Auction

Music Icons

May 30, 2025

7:00 AM PDT