THAT sound!

[dodgy_ian]

So, I've been listening to a lot of cats like Bromberg and Pattitucci and they just get the most monster growl out of their basses and seemingly a fair old amount of sustain. Does anyone have a tips on this kind of sound - I'm assuming its mainly in the instrument itself and then its setup. All I can really get is a dull thuddy sound on mine with little growl or anything....

I know its a bit of a general question but its been buggin me for so long - i've tried some many different amplifiers and amps and nothing changes so im assuming is has to be in the instrument itself before you even begin to start amplifying it?

Any comments helpful! Many thanks!

Ian

[reedo35]

Bromberg uses spirocore weichs, which is a good part of the equation, IMO. the other parts are his hands and the Bass in those hands.

[pnchad]

low tension strings and a fairly low setup.... but it is in the hands (fingers).

I know the vibe you're describing - very open. It takes claws too. Lots of strength - check Mingus, he manhandled his basses.

[dodgy_ian]

thanks! I've ordered some Weichs and getting the bass set up in the next few weeks with a new adjustable bridge and lower action - excited about hearing it all sorted it (fingers crossed its going growl like a beast!).

[jmpiwonka]

it's in the hands.
every string i've put on my bass "growled" even the flexocor.
a flat fingerboard helps.

[Ike Harris]

A little OT here, but I just wanted to tell Ian I was just in Newcastle last month and thought it was a great town to visit and play in. Tons of pictures of the old(new) castle and several other places around town. Very enjoyable. I switched back to Weichs myself recently - make sure the nut is dressed just at the right height at the f-board edge for the smaller gauge strings. Another vote for f-board dressing for the right amount of growl.

Ike

[eadg52]

Originally Posted by dodgy_ian

thanks! I've ordered some Weichs and getting the bass set up in the next few weeks with a new adjustable bridge and lower action - excited about hearing it all sorted it (fingers crossed its going growl like a beast!).

I like the tone you you're seeking, my inspiration being Danny Thompson for the same reasons. The lower the action and straighter the neck should help a lot in getting some growl but beware of overdoing it as the tone will get really thin otherwise. Like others have mentioned, the fingers are a great part of the equation too.
Some food for thought before you proceed (pertaining to my bass btw): I replaced the bridge for an adjustable type but the luthier (sensibly imo) only lowered it a tad so that it's at it's lowest setting for normal use thus ensuring maximum transfer of tone through the bridge - he's not keen at all on any screw threads being visible, plus you can always take some wood off if it's still too high in the lowest postion. I also had a set of D'darrio hybrids fitted which growl quite nicely, again at the luthiers suggestion. He demonstrated the lighter tension between the Hybrids and the Weichs by holding the loose string and noting how much the difference in sag between the two. Hardly scientific I agree but I'm not dissapointed with the tone I have.
Good luck!

Steve

[dodgy_ian]

Originally Posted by Ike Harris

A little OT here, but I just wanted to tell Ian I was just in Newcastle last month and thought it was a great town to visit and play in. Tons of pictures of the old(new) castle and several other places around town. Very enjoyable.

Ike

Yeah, its a great place! What were you doing over here?
(playing or just visiting?)

@ EADG52 - thanks for that info too - I agree about the bridge height thing too - I will ask my luthier when I take it next week. I know the action doesnt want to be too low but I guess its just a case of finding that middle ground where its easyish to play and growls without just becoming a large upright fretless electric bass+losing the tone!

guys thanks so far for all the insightful and helpful comments - really appreciated and please keep them coming!!1