By Mark Grove
Okay,the perfect bass tone is not out there,nor would I want it to be. It is possible to get a complementary sound that just gives er! for live or session work.Your sound is not in your fingers which most bass players seem to think.
Your fingers may be manipulating the strings,but the strings, pickups,amp,mic and other equipment shape the sound.
Get it? Good.
Shaping Your Bottom-Feeder Sound:
Learning how to shape your bass tone should start from the bass axe and amp themselves,not in the actual playing of your bass.Think about this.Your sound doesn't come from a direct box or pre amps,or EQ from a PA.
Okay,I'm venting a bit.The real secret here is,and its no secret,to be able to set up your amp's settings to the way your band plays.As well it stems from the set up of your mic tone,string and head stock tuning.
You don't need equipment that costs a bundle,but it does need to be set up properly.If you can't tune your bottom feeder axe,amp and accessory rig properly,how do you expect to do it with brand new gear that costs a bundle?
As far as mic's go which is vital to good sound to use a good Shure 57 or 58.They will work in either live or recording situations.Buy at least two brand new ones.Do not scrimp on mic's.That's one thing that shouldn't be done like a bottom feeder.And no bass players just starting out don't need a wah pedal or direct box to shape their sound.
Learn how to shape your bass sound with an axe,amp and mic to record it. Also,use a monitor speaker or two to get a good idea of your tone.Using a direct box makes playing too easy,especially if that DI box is EQ'ed to the hilt when connected to a mix board console direct.
Learning to set up your amp settings and your bass--along with learning to play is more important above all else.When you do start learning to play and you're going out to jams and playing in a band situation,and you don't have constant problems with tone and your playing isn't off,start using a Wah or stomp box to add to your sound.
Once you do start playing major gigs chances are you'll need to use a DI Box to lessen distortion and muddiness in certain songs.You may need a DI box for session work as well.But don't rely on it all the time or it becomes a crutch.
But in ending,if you know how to play bass like a bastard,but your amp and bass axe set up is always off,you'll always have tone issues and your sound will never be your own.And if you use a Di Box,wah and an arsenal of effects, don't expect to be the great player you always wanted to be.
Peace and success to all bottom feeders
Mark G
