A Few Minor Discoveries That Helped Bring Some Life Back to my Tone
I don't know for sure if this should go in the Technique Forum, but here goes.
I asked a question about adding a little more punch and a better perceived low end to my bass when working in Audacity to a friend of mine who produces radio spots and (now) indie label albums. His advice was to add a bit of low level distortion and just a touch of chorus either at the front or back of the signal chain. Being sort of a skeptic on effects, I thought, "yeah, right", but as it turns out, I was wrong (nothing new there).
Anyway, I fiddled around with my little Roland practice amp last night tweaking and turning here and there. I stumbled on a beautiful sound. Here's what is working for me.
1. Since the "compression" if you will, on the amp is a simple, single knob set up, I set it at about 50%.
2. Then, I turned the chorus knob up until it activated, giving an ever so slight chorusing effect.
3. Finally, I sat my gain knob at about 60-70% and adjusted my volume to the situation.
What resulted was a very defined tone with plenty of spank. Mind you, it is not an overwhelming, distorted, chorusy sound, but a very solid, usable bass tone.
One more thing. The amp has modeling. So, I set the model to emulate the Acoustic Image 360 and am currently very satisfied with my sound.
The real point of my post is not to tell you my amp settings because all amps are different animals and will react in different ways. No, I merely wanted to share with you that effects are great tools that not only help you make some crazy sound combos, but they can also help you shape your identity on your instrument.
The funny thing about this is that I have always found myself frustrated with effects, believing them to overpower the tone. But, as I discovered, moderation in the use of effects can add character and individuality to your sound. However, let us never forget that your TRUE sound is in the fingers. Remember, you are the cake, the effects are the icing.
BoH
Very cool, BoH. Thanks for
Very cool, BoH. Thanks for breaking the sound down for us, so others can try out the concept, regardless of the specific gear. Congrats on finding a sound you like.
Wheat
bassplaying.com
Tone
I have been eager to try a nice compression box... I only have the compression that comes with my old Zoom pedal. I like a little chorus when I play with acoustic guitar... but I have never even plugged into distortion. My son has a grunge pedal that I could fool around with though.
Since I have been spending time with the Line 6 bass, I'm wondering, Bo, what you think of the modeling features on your Roland.
Pete
I really cannot comment on
I really cannot comment on the accuracy of the models, but I will list them for you:
1. Octaver--I have NO idea why it is on the modeling knob with the rest of them. I've always considered octavers as effects, so go figure.
2. Flip Top--That's a reference to the old flip top tube amp that Jamerson played though. Ampeg still makes it.
3. Bass Man--Fender's classic.
4. T.C.--Trace Elliot.
5. Bass360--My personal favorite. Acoustic Image 360.
6. Session--Probably references the SWR Redhead.
7. Concert 8x10--Self-explanitory.
Anyway, those are the settings. Once again, I comment on the accuracy of the models, but I prefer the Bass360 setting over the rest. To me, it offers the perfect balance along the entire EQ curve. I used to use the Session setting exclusively, but lately I have found it too bright and cutting, especially for my Spector.
Since I have no real reference point for the modelings on the Roland, it is really tough to give you an educated opinion on how they sound compared to the real thing. I will say, however, that most models probably cannot compare to the real thing and can only scratch the surface in emulating the classic tones of the past.
I will say this, given my limited experience with the Variax bass. The particular one I played seemed very capable of producing a close resemblance to a Ric, P-bass, and J-bass. Not perfect, of course, but an acceptable sound. The real test would be best done in a band context, I would think.
Sorry, that was a long answer to a short question.
BoH
Bo
You don't love me, you just love my FINGERSTYLE!
Peavey T40; SX/Squier P-bass; Spector Legend 5
Roland Bass 30 Cube
Ampeg Fliptop
Sounds pretty cool. The first amp I ever owned was an Ampeg B-15 Portaflex... I'd love to recreate that sound without buying an ancient fliptop on eBay or $1,200 or more for the new version. I may start looking for a used Line 6 bass pod on the bay to get an amp modeling box.
Thanks for the info. Sounds like a fun amp.
Pete
That really is not a bad
That really is not a bad idea, Pete. Actually, if I were you, I would take a look at the Bass Pod Live XT (?). It seems like a great tool; especially for use with the Variax bass. The real advantage (based on what I've read) would be that it is in pedal form which would lend itself better to live situations. Only experimentation would reveal the uses for it. Try one out and see what you think.
BoH
Bo
You don't love me, you just love my FINGERSTYLE!
Peavey T40; SX/Squier P-bass; Spector Legend 5
Roland Bass 30 Cube
Good Idea
I'd definitely try before I buy, but I like the idea.
Pete
I've been looking at this
I've been looking at this Boss Limiter, LMB-3. I've read some good comments on it. It's a limiter/enhancer, not a compressor. But I think it might be just what I need to even things out a bit.
Wheat
bassplaying.com
Some great ideas there Bo,
Some great ideas there Bo, I'm going to have to try my chous with the SansAmp Bass Driver.
I've been playing with some of the tonal variations it has to offer and, like you, have been completely blown away by the ability to (almost) nail the exact tone Ive been looking for.
B #
B #
So Brian, are you starting
So Brian, are you starting to find the SansAmp indispensible? I know I do. When I turn it off occasionally I wonder what the hell happened to my tone.
With all my previous amps, I
With all my previous amps, I too found the SansAmp indispensible.
Since I've had the Eden WT550 however, I haven't used it. The Eden offers an even better overall tone I found.
I now use the SansAmp purely as a practice device and a backup at gigs.
Still a great little unit though.
Mo
Hi Mo. With the Eden I'm not
Hi Mo. With the Eden I'm not surprised you don't need the SansAmp. It sure does make a difference with a cheaper amp or for direct input though.
Re: Hi Mo. With the Eden I'm not
[quote=Paul Warren].. It sure does make a difference with a cheaper amp or for direct input though.[/quote]
You're not kidding!
My Fender BXR300C was the most horrible amp I ever bought - I'm sure it was not just a 'Friday' amp, but a Friday 3:59pm rerun!!!! Why I ever made the decision to buy it is still a mystery - and I was sober too when I parted with the $NZ900!!!
When I bought my BTB, Evan from BNW talked me into getting the SanSamp and put it in with the bass when he sent it over.
I thought "yeah, so what" plugged it in and was not impressed!!
It wasn't until I realised that 1) It needed a battery - actually I had a transformer that was the right DC output so I used that and 2) that little switch actually had to be pressed down once the unit was plugged in...then KAPOWWEEEE!
There was another bass player on stage helping set up the sound when I did it and that dog of an amp actually sounded not too shabby for a change - he looked at me ( it was in church ) and said "now that's a resurrection for ya!"
I use the SansAmp RBI in a studio, they're really impressive. Next time ( whenever that is ) I'll try the Eden.
Great amps but I'm sure my WT550 must have been a Wednesday model!
Mo
Eden is easily the best amp
Eden is easily the best amp I've ever played through. I wish I had one. The only time I've ever had the chance was opening for some fairly established country act. I met the bassist during sound check and he offered to let me use his rig. I plugged in and loved the tone. It really sounded great. I thought, "he must really have this lined out." But when I turned to check the settings, I saw that the entire EQ stage was flat! It sounded that good right out of the box. Amazing.
The next time I have $1500 burning a hole in my pocket....
Wheat
bassplaying.com
I run my Eden fairly flat
I run my Eden fairly flat too. Just gnat's hair tweek too far on those knobs and you overdo it.
My WT550 only cost $800 from Bass Northwest plus shipping costs. That landed for about $NZ 1800 within 5 days of me ordereing it. The shops sold them here ( with about 3 mth wait ) for as little as $3,200!!!!!
The 800 series apparently are giving some trouble if the posts on TB are to be believed. I figured I'd stick with the WT550 because with my BFD cabs ( Sub and Top for bigger events ) you only need 1/4 - 1/3 of the power to get the same volume as a radiator/reflex cab. It does 800 watts at 2ohms - more than enough for on stage sound and for the larger gig, there's always FOH anyhow.
In addition my though was that in the unlikely event I'd need anything more powerful, I'd buy a QSC-RMX1450 or 1650 or the Crownm equivelent, go bi-amp, use the WT550 as the pre-amp and not have to deal with passive crossovers for the sub/mid setup.
My WT550 never goes past 12 oclock for gain and volume!
They are really nice amps indeed.
Take care : )
Mo
I wish I'd gotten it long
I wish I'd gotten it long ago, they're a little pricey but IMO are worth every penny.
B #
B #
Good to know, thanks Bo!
Good to know, thanks Bo!
I agree completely BoH.
I agree completely BoH. Effects used properly can really shape your tone. Sure they can be over the top but in moderation it can make a big difference.
I've found a bit of chorus is nice. Same with a bit of phaser. A touch of auto-wah is nice for funk. A little tube distortion is great for rock. Reverb can make it sound like you're in a concert hall. Those are my favorites.
In my discussion with my
In my discussion with my engineer friend, he said that a lot of jazz cats routinely distort their basses just a slight bit to improve presence in the mix. Who would've thought?
BoH
Bo
You don't love me, you just love my FINGERSTYLE!
Peavey T40; SX/Squier P-bass; Spector Legend 5
Roland Bass 30 Cube
You bet
I've got a Boss distortion pedal and have found a great tone for ol'Bob. I've got it set to where it just gives a little bit of growl. It's also fun to crank up all the knobs or play around. ; )
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So what do bass players that can't play do?