Tired of chasing tone just for me!

[mdogs]

Am I the only one here who is tired of chasing tone for little or no apparent reason? I mean today I am using my SWR SM-400 with 2 Eden cabs which is my favorite combination, but over the last few years I have used my old Fender 400PS, an Eden Amp WT and a couple of others and I really feel like the only one this matters to is me!! Or, am I just having a pity party for myself???

[bucephylus]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Am I the only one here who is tired of chasing tone for little or no apparent reason? I mean today I am using my SWR SM-400 with 2 Eden cabs which is my favorite combination, but over the last few years I have used my old Fender 400PS, an Eden Amp WT and a couple of others and I really feel like the only one this matters to is me!! Or, am I just having a pity party for myself???

You need to realize that tone is a complex thing and greatly depends on a clear understanding of goals. For example, a solo tone thing is way different than a covers tone thing.

The complicated thing with a good "covers" tone is that you need to fit well in the mix, which can be a pretty rough thing to get an independent ear on. So, you can have a sound that you like where you stand on stage, but that the rest of the band (or bands, if you are in and out) does not have in mind. This must be a process of trial and error until you get into a space where you are happy and where the rest of the bands are equally impressed. Getting the stars aligned like this is not easy. That is why there are so many discussions here on TB wherein you see names like Sadowsky and Bergantino floating to the top (not that I am lobbying for them, just sayin').

Don't know if that helps, but if you really want to get there, try to keep in mind the journey is half the fun (if too expensive). GL

[BassmanPaul]

The happier you are with how you sound the better you are going to play.

[christw]

Originally Posted by bucephylus

Don't know if that helps, but if you really want to get there, try to keep in mind the journey is half the fun (if too expensive). GL

The playing is more fun after you get there too.

[mdogs]

Yeah, I understand all this after 30 some years of playing live! It just seems I spend more time working with guitar players on getting proper tone than anyone would ever spend on my tone...I guess I am having a pity party afterall!

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Yeah, I understand all this after 30 some years of playing live! It just seems I spend more time working with guitar players on getting proper tone than anyone would ever spend on my tone...I guess I am having a pity party afterall!

Only 30 years newb!

They do add up quickly don't they?

[dmrogers]

Well, it's important to have a sound, a rig, an instrument (or several) that you are happy with. Otherwise, like BassmanPaul said, you wouldn't be very happy.

However, if a bands primary goal ISN'T making the song or music sound as good as possible, they are missing the point.

The sound I dial in while I am at home practicing is not the sound that works on stage. Every band member needs to find that space where they fit well and compliment the song. It takes an objectionable ear and honesty.

It helps to have someone that can listen, that you trust, that can make changes for the better to each instrument. One might think they are hittin' it on stage, but where the audience sits is where it counts.

I mean, yeah, it's cool to have the gear you really want, and the sound you want to hear, but if our sound person tells me I need to bump up the mids or adjust the volume, it doesn't bother me in the least.

And on a related note, I do think we worry too much about the sound. We get many compliments on days that we feel were "off days". We are our own worst critic.

[christw]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Only 30 years newb!

They do add up quickly don't they?

Wow I feel young! I'm 22 in a couple of days with 8 years on guitar and bass. I spend most of my time counseling people on their tones as well, especially inexperienced bass players. It's the least I can do for them as I never had anyone there for me. I learned about bass from the bass should only ever be big speakers and bassy bassy bass tone school of guitarist. Good thing I know better now.

[DiabolicLow B]

I am constantly looking for new amp and cab combinations for "the tone", this is primarily for myself not the band because I always DI to the FOH so the audience never really hears my amp anyway!

The last couple of years I have only being playing with a single 12" mainly as a monitor, however I still want that to sound as good as possible.

[fish slapper]

I have often pondered the same question. In my classic rock cover band, the two guitarists obsess constantly about their "tone", one resorting to digital augmentation, the other old school pedal board, but the only feedback I get is "you need to turn up." As a consequence a lot of my tone chasing is to be heard where as I'd more satisfied in just being felt. Therefore, a lot of my tone choices have been J bass/ high fi rig oriented when the genre would seem to indicate P bass/ tube rig.

Of course, my wife makes fun of my tone obsession. From her perspective bass playing is all "boom, boom, boom."

[pasta4lnch]

I guess a lot depends on your listening situation. I love seeing guys w/ $6k+ gear in a dive bar or lug out 10 tons of metal and wood for a 45 minute set.

On the other hand I know how much it sucks getting through a gig not feeling your sound (regardless of what the audience is hearing)

There's gotta be a balance somewhere in there . . .

I suppose in the end if you're happy w/ it... Or in your case tired of chasing it, then don't chase it. (oddly you'll probably find it then )

for me the battle was 2 fold - find my voice and make it as compact/convenient as possible. I got it - but I'm always on the look out (money is the great equalizer - if I were stupid rich I'd be a mess!! )

[onosson]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

The happier you are with how you sound the better you are going to play.

Many people neglect this point!

[SpectorDetector]

Tone comes and goes though, maybe it's our perception of tone? Some days I think my rig sounds great and other days I don't seem to be satisfied. I prefer to just concentrate on playing. It's like golf, it's not the clubs that is the problem, it's my lack of practice! Also, we are setting ourselves up for marketing hype and other GAS-aholics by reading this board too often.

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by DiabolicLow B

I am constantly looking for new amp and cab combinations for "the tone", this is primarily for myself not the band because I always DI to the FOH so the audience never really hears my amp anyway!

+1

New amps... new pedals... new basses.... it's a never ending addiction for me. And Diabolic is right, it's mainly just for myself. I usually run a DI, so no one really hears my amp buy me anyway.

Oh well. Like several others have said, I enjoy my sound.

5sg.

[mdogs]

Perhaps I did not state my quest properly. I am VERY happy with my tone, what I am constantly seeking is recognition from others that my tone is unique to me and that it makes a difference in the sound of the band!

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Perhaps I did not state my quest properly. I am VERY happy with my tone, what I am constantly seeking is recognition from others that my tone is unique to me and that it makes a difference in the sound of the band!

In that case, yes it is and yes it does.

[T40Chump]

I must still be a rookie too. I've been on bass/guitar for almost 30 years. The more I play the more I think that as long as I can hear myself in the mix and I've got a good, deep throb going on; I'm happy.

After all, IMO all a bassist needs is a good, solid fundamental that compliments the rest of the band. What I sound like alone and what I sound like on stage are miles apart for me.

[mdogs]

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

In that case, yes it is and yes it does.

Thanks man, I really appreciate that! Now I can move on to really important sh*t!!!!!

[delta7fred]

For the last 40+ years I was fairly happy with my tone, a bit smiley faced but not too much. I liked lots of top and tweeters.

Then a few gigs ago I walked out on my 40 foot chord to check the PA sound, as I always do, and couldn't hear myself. I was pretty loud on stage but almost inaudible FOH. We only usually do small venues so don't have PA support for the instruments.

So the next rehearsal I set my EQ flat and turned my tweeter off. I hated the sound solo but when I listened to the recording of the rehearsal I could hear myself far better than ever before.

Next step was to build an SFT clone, Fliptop sound, hardly any top. Played it to the last 3 gigs and wow, I am a changed man. Had it set pretty mild but that bit of tube type compression/very mild OD, I just love it, I can't put my bass down now.

Even our guitarist commented after the last gig how well my sound cut through and (not to me) how well I played. It took a couple of gigs to get used to the vastly different sound but I cannot see myself going back

Anyone want to buy a couple of tweeters?

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by mdogs

what I am constantly seeking is recognition from others that my tone is unique to me and that it makes a difference in the sound of the band!

Ain't gonna happen! Guitar players are notorious for chasing their own tone goals and there is no room in their egos for thoughts about you.

If it helps - I think your tone is gorgeous and uniquely you. What you bring to the band only you could and no one else.