Is this bass line usable (or should I stick with the synth)?

richorosai · #1 08-07-2008, 07:22 AM

Basically I'm trying to decide this before I replace the whole entire song with "real" bass instead of realizing after I've already done it, because I'm a terrible bassist and the process is very time consuming.

This file has the synth first followed by my bass dry and then with a couple of amps/effects.

http://oneguyleft.com/mp3s/itbu.mp3

So, am I way off base as far as how a bass is supposed to sound (I swear to god no pun was intended there)?

Deacon_Blues · #2 08-08-2008, 05:40 AM

Use what you think is cool and fits the music the best. I personally preferred the real bass over the synth bass, especially the last two samples with the effects (you don't hear me say that very often!!!)

Matt Till · #3 08-08-2008, 06:13 AM

In the examples provided, I preferred the synth.

Vincent P · #4 08-08-2008, 06:22 AM

It doesn't really matter what we think, so much as what you do. Sounds ok though and pretty sure you'll find somewhere it'll drop in nicely.

DWBass · #5 08-08-2008, 06:34 AM

I like the sound of the real bass with a tad bit of effects on it. I say do a couple of takes and loop (copy and paste) the best one so you won't have to play that line throughout the entire recording.

kaputsport · #6 08-08-2008, 07:03 AM

What synth are you using? I love the sound....

Care to share it?

richorosai · #7 08-08-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the replies.

As for the synth question, it's a pre-set combination of patches and effects in Reason called "Flea Slap Bass" or something similar.

I've always done most of my work other than vocals and trombone in Reason, but on this project I'm looking to move away from electronic/industrial style and mix in some more natural-sounding stuff. That plus the fact that this song is built around the bass part made me wary of using a synth bass, although that usually is good enough. Which is what brought me to this point. I found some amateur guitarists who would collaborate for credit and some money for a couple of guitar solos, but no such luck with a guest bassist.

Anyway, it's hard to judge these things for myself, so thanks for the feedback. I'm about half-way through the fake-to-real process now

Nyarlathotep · #8 08-08-2008, 05:28 PM

I preferred the real bass myself. It sounded more livelier, and out front. The added fuzz at the end was cool. I don't think I've ever heard that type of fuzz tone before, and feel I must ask what effect you used.

richorosai · #9 08-08-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielTulip

I preferred the real bass myself. It sounded more livelier, and out front. The added fuzz at the end was cool. I don't think I've ever heard that type of fuzz tone before, and feel I must ask what effect you used.

They were just Guitar Rig presets. The first one was "Slap Bass 3" and the fuzzy one was "Slap Bass Heavy Distorted".