I've been playing bass for about 5 years but I've always focused more on technique and song craftsmanship than tone. My snarly scratchings are beginning to bug me and I would appreciate some advice!

I currently use a Musicman SUB bass, I have the Bass and Treble knobs both at full. I play a battered old Stagg Amp where I have Bass 3/4, Low Mid Full, High Mid 3/4 and Treble Full. It's a bit scratchy and mean-sounding, which is great when I'm playing metal stuff, but I want a warmer, poppier tone.
Think Mark Hoppus.

Any help would be much appreciated!


(Also if I've said anything that shouldn't be said on bass forums forgive me, this is my first post :help: )

PS. I play with a pick.

(Also if I've said anything that shouldn't be said on bass forums forgive me, this is my first post :help: )


"Think Mark Hoppus"

The tone the tone not the technique.

I think anyone who's been playing more than a week is better.

But he sounds nice

The tone the tone not the technique.

I think anyone who's been playing more than a week is better.

But he sounds nice

I suggest you buy the Mark Hoppus signature bass from fender, and found out whatever amp he uses and buy that too.

Until I find some way of growing money (a job!)
What amp settings do you think would give me that nice warm, full sound?

I play in a three-piece you see, I need to fill out the sound when the guitarist shows off haha

If it sounds scratchy then turn down the treble. Try playing with your fingers too.

the bass makes it sounds like "wooooooo",notes become unclear
low mid gives the growl to the sound
high mid softens the sound a bit
trebles makes it punchy and sounds more sharp,notes become a bit more clear

so for the warmer tone i suggest this:
lots of bass
low mid a bit lower than the bass\equal to the amount of bass
high mid flat or try to cut both mid controls to 0%
cut treble a bit

That's brilliant thanks Yaniv :)

Just a thought...If your playing with a pick.. is the pick flat against the string before you pluck it? it will give a nasty sound if it isnt.


I know its simple but its also often over looked.


Cheers

Vegie

It depends what I'm playing, for the simpler rockier parts I flatten it against the string and really go for it. For the more metally fast shreddy sections I use the pointy end for alternate picking and sweeping.
If I was to vocalise my sound it would be this:

"GROINK!"