Which pots to touch and which knobs to leave alone???

AndyMania · #1 02-20-2011, 04:21 AM

Okay, I have pots on my bass and knobs on my amp and I might be getting a Fodera preamp with more knobs on it. Which ones should I touch and which do i leave alone in order to get a good sound instead of just randomly turning knobs? Would like to know more about sculpting my sound...

playerunk · #2 02-20-2011, 04:56 AM

start with everything flat and go from there..turn every knob to full then back..to get a clue as to how it affects your sound.
Then just experiment.. you will need some time to get the hang of your gear but you won't get old over it

One Drop · #3 02-20-2011, 05:19 AM

Why get something to further sculpt your sound before seeing if the control you already have will get you where you want?

Start at the bass with your amp set with knobs centered, and find out from a manual or online what each knob on your bass does. Turn each one through it's full movement while listening to hear how they work and what they do, and then try different combinations to see if and how they interact.

Then do the same with your amp, leaving your bass settings alone. After a little while you'll be able to relate the knobs to what they do without thinking about it, and you can start to EQ with your ears instead of your eyes.

But do a little research first (i.e. to know what each knob is supposed to do) to save yourself from guesswork and inability to recreate tones in different rooms and with different instruments. settings.

Steveaux · #4 02-20-2011, 08:24 AM

RTFM.

billfitzmaurice · #5 02-20-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyMania

which do i leave alone ..

If you weren't supposed to touch them they wouldn't be there. Turn them to find out for yourself what they do. RTFM also applies.

AndyMania · #6 02-20-2011, 11:22 AM

good points guys but what does RTFM stand for lol?

Bass_Pounder · #7 02-20-2011, 11:25 AM

Read The F**** Manual

BassmanPaul · #8 02-20-2011, 04:05 PM

robgo · #9 02-20-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playerunk

start with everything flat and go from there..turn every knob to full then back..to get a clue as to how it affects your sound.
Then just experiment.. you will need some time to get the hang of your gear but you won't get old over it

But don't forget that what sounds good playing on your own probably won't when playing with a band.