Creamy/Full/Rich tone

[yamark]

Hey folks,
Not really sure where this thread belongs as it could fit in basses, amps, or effects. So, I just threw it here.

I have a chunk of cash burning a hole in my pocket from an extra summer job and a bad case of gas.

My current setup:
G&L SB-2 2008/dead rounds
VM 77 jazz/flats
GK MB2-500
2 Avatar Neo 112

I am looking to get a creamy tone for a new folk/blues project I have going on. This project has potential to go far. After 3 rehearsals and a 3 song demo, we have generated a great deal of interest including from various indie labels.

I'd also like this setup to include some sort of direct recording capabilities.

So, do you folks think a new bass will help? P bass or hollow body maybe.

A new rig? It doesn't have to get crazy loud.
New cab?

Effects? Compression?

Help!

[Billnc]

Fretless bass if you don't have one, don't go all midrangey with it.

[rpsands]

I'd add a couple pedals. A compressor is where I'd start. Ovnilab for reviews.

Some tube sim pedals can do this kinda stuff too - MXR M80, VT bass, DHA VT, etc. Might be a combo.

Your cab setup might not be ideal for that kinda sound either--consider a TB153 in 4 ohms and sellin' the 112s.

[yamark]

Originally Posted by rpsands

I'd add a couple pedals. A compressor is where I'd start. Ovnilab for reviews.

Some tube sim pedals can do this kinda stuff too - MXR M80, VT bass, DHA VT, etc. Might be a combo.

Your cab setup might not be ideal for that kinda sound either--consider a TB153 in 4 ohms and sellin' the 112s.

The TB153 is high on my list.

I'm not huge on the use of pedals. What about heads with compression built in?

[rpsands]

I can't think of very many. Carvin has a built in compressor I think.

Maybe start with the 153 and see if that does it

[sammyfallen]

I see your from Lancaster, KY. Where have you sent your demo in order to receive label attention? In no way am I trying to be a jerk. I'm curious as I live in Somerset.

[yamark]

Hey Sammy,
I got fortunate enough to land with a song writer that has many labels that will release anything he puts out. In fact, he is on a Europe tour right now with his solo project all paid for by his label.

Folks are pretty excited about this project of his because it's out of his norm and it's his first time recording in a full band situation. The songs are fantastic.

[zachoff]

I'd go for a new amp/cab. Your current rig screams modern tone. Smallish tube amp & 4x10 sealed cab would probably be what I'd start with. Play a few & see what you like!

[TC.65]

I would say get a Genz Benz Streamliner 600 and pair it up with the Avatar TB153 cab. That will give you the tone you are looking for.

[staindbass]

creamy tone? its hard for us to guess what you seek. one mans cream is another mans curdle. name a player whos sound you like, or even better tell what it is that the amp you have now is not producing. when i think creamy, i think tubes that are pushed, but not distorting.

[staindbass]

some hifi guys think them neodynium magnets have a certain sound to them, and dont like them. try something with modern ferrite magnets or an old ampeg 15" with alnico magnets.

[Rob Martinez]

Hollowbody bass with flatwounds. I play a Hofner Icon bass with LaBella Beatle flats through an Ampeg B50R, amazing vintage tone! Fat, round, creamy and FULL!

[yamark]

Thanks for all the input. I love my current setup. I got the rig I have now for a rock based group. It's edgy and crispy.

Now that I have this 2nd project going, I'm not so sure if it fits. I played with it some since my last post and some eq has helped. I also tried a foam mute and I like it quite a bit.

When I think creamy, I think jamerson of course. I also like the gov't mule/allman sound. Casady as well. All these are influences of the band leader as well.

Really, I was thinking hollow body if I went the bass route. Maybe a b15 or 100r if I went the amp route. I really clean without break up.

[recreate.me]

I play in a folk/blues/indie band too!

IMO a tube head is NEEDED, you'll get a great full sound, and tube compression. I am using a Traynor YBA200-2 (you can buy one used at my local shop for 400$, i got mine on here for just about that) it sounds so full, and round. Set the break up just right and its perfect!

Depending on how much money you have you could try looking into all tube amps (Traynor, Ampeg, Orange even, etc...)

Someone mentioned above about having modern cabs, you could look into some more vintage voiced options, I have 2 12" TC Electronics that are sealed and scream vintage tone haha

Soooo, new bass rig i would say.. probably some Chromes too, or nickels...

[GregC]

Not sure what your budget is, but here's my suggestion:

Hollowbody or P bass with flats.

Mesa Walkabout combo or an old Ampeg V-4B (still one of the best amp values out there, IMO) with an Aggie DB212 (tweeter turned off) or a similarly round/"vintage"-sounding cab. Maybe an Orange OBC115, but I haven't tried one.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by TC.65

I would say get a Genz Benz Streamliner 600 and pair it up with the Avatar TB153 cab. That will give you the tone you are looking for.

'zactly what I was thinking!

[noahw1]

Originally Posted by TC.65

I would say get a Genz Benz Streamliner 600 and pair it up with the Avatar TB153 cab. That will give you the tone you are looking for.

My thought too!

[Rob Martinez]

Ampeg B100R will also do the trick!

[father of fires]

Don't laugh but I really like the new Hartke AK cabs for a lighter weight old school Ampeg-ish vibe.

[R Baer]

You might want to try out a Lakland Skyline Hollowbody. That with a little growl from your VT pedal should fit in pretty nice. If your'e looking at cabs, maybe a nice vintage style single15 cab without a horn. That little 15 cab by 65 Amps is pretty awesome sounding in the vintage department.