Help Getting My Tone

[AccolaStudios]

Yes, I've searched this and seen the countless similar topics, but I'm still having some trouble.

I had recently been using a Line 6 LD15 combo. It had the Line 6 presets for tones, so I always used those since I was inexperienced in adjusting the EQ (the adjustments on that amp just didn't do it for me). I was used to pressing a button and gettig my tone. Now I have a GK 1001RB-II paired with a GK Neo 410, and I'm finding the tonal options overwhelming.

So basically, I know I need to experiment, but what's the best way to go about doing this? I also have a SansAmp BDDI and a Boss CS-3 to work with, so I have a decent amount of knobs and tone possibilities adding to the confusion. I'm using a Fender Jazz and Sterling Ray34. Thanks for the advice!

[AdamR]

Are you playing in a band or in your bedroom ? What type of tone are you looking for ? Whos tones do you like ? Most guys will probably start with all the knobs at 12o'clock then tweak from there.

When I used my BDDI I would find the tone I wanted on the BDDI first, then use the amps EQ for minor tweaks.

[AccolaStudios]

Originally Posted by AdamR

Are you playing in a band or in your bedroom ? What type of tone are you looking for ? Whos tones do you like ? Most guys will probably start with all the knobs at 12o'clock then tweak from there.

When I used my BDDI I would find the tone I wanted on the BDDI first, then use the amps EQ for minor tweaks.

Right now, in my bedroom. However, I'm getting a band together, so it will be both soon. I'm also doing some home recording as well. I'm looking for a few different tones, mainly RHCP (Stadium Arcadium era) and Jamiroquai (Stuart Zender era) type tones. I'm not looking to cop them exactly, but I want to get in the ballpark.

If you go on YouTube and watch Davidsinrocks' cover of Bumblefoot's songs 'Real' and 'Rockstar for a Day', that's close to what I'm looking for. Also his tone on his 'Cosmic Girl' cover.

Hopefully that helps.

[Gearhead17]

First off - try the amp with the bass plugged straight into the head; no pedals. Read the manual at least twice and learn what each knob does EXACTLY. Set your bass to a neutral setting and turn the volume all the way up. Adjust the Gain according to the manual.

For the time being, do not push in the 4/5 string button (leave it pushed out) and turn the Contour knob all the way to the left for the flat setting. Tweeter knob on your GK cab? Turn that to the noon position too. Put the knobs at the "noon" position. After setting the Gain, turn each knob on the head one at a time and start playing your bass. Listen to the tone differences for each knob. Decrease the knob - play - increase it - play some more. Listen to the tone differences as you play. This will become second nature and you will learn how to get tones you like in ANY situation.

It is generally best to decrease the frequencies that are too strong than boosting those that are weak. Usually, a small decrease in the low end will make the midrange and high end sound louder/clearer. Try it out! Stick to learning the amp head first, then add the pedals later.

[christw]

+1 to everything Gearhead17 said.

Your "boost" control is a really fun one to toy with. Try adjusting it and using different playing styles to see how it affects your tone across the board.

[dsanders]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

First off - try the amp with the bass plugged straight into the head; no pedals. Read the manual at least twice and learn what each knob does EXACTLY. Set your bass to a neutral setting and turn the volume all the way up. Adjust the Gain according to the manual.

For the time being, do not push in the 4/5 string button (leave it pushed out) and turn the Contour knob all the way to the left for the flat setting. Tweeter knob on your GK cab? Turn that to the noon position too. Put the knobs at the "noon" position. After setting the Gain, turn each knob on the head one at a time and start playing your bass. Listen to the tone differences for each knob. Decrease the knob - play - increase it - play some more. Listen to the tone differences as you play. This will become second nature and you will learn how to get tones you like in ANY situation.

It is generally best to decrease the frequencies that are too strong than boosting those that are weak. Usually, a small decrease in the low end will make the midrange and high end sound louder/clearer. Try it out! Stick to learning the amp head first, then add the pedals later.

+1 Excellent advice. This should get you well on the way.

[AccolaStudios]

Thanks so much for the help! My old starter combo was more of a "press this button, play, and forget" type amp. I'm looking forward to being able to get the most of of the GK!