Critique on first attempt at providing bass line for song

[fourstringdrums]

My guitarist has a side project and a website full of the material on some CD's they've put out. They're a folk group and don't generally have a bass player. I decided to put some bass on one of the tracks.

I've been playing since about 2001, but not all that seriously and I took the last 2 years or so off. So basically this is my first attempt at putting a bass part that didn't already exist to a song.

I recorded my part direct from the DI on my Ashdown MAG 115 Combo into a Zoom H4. The bass I'm using is my Fender Highway One with Nordstrand NP4's, .1uf cap and Labella Jamerson flats through Jacques Fat Burner Compression. The tone control is wide open, and the EQ on the amp is Bass - 3:00, Low Mid - 2:00 - Mid, High Mid & Treb - Flat. Input gain is all the way up. I did do some peak limiting and slight boost of highs in Goldwave after the fact. I think it sounds fairly decent. It's my first attempt of course at recording as well.

Let me know what you think both of the tone and the playing. Thanks!

http://www.handidrummed.com/Far%20To...y%20(bass).mp3

[Arizona Jones]

I downloaded the track and it is playing at about 8X speed in WMP.

Is it me, or the track?

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by Arizona Jones

I downloaded the track and it is playing at about 8X speed in WMP.

Is it me, or the track?

It's just you. Works fine here. You should be able to adjust the play speed to Normal.

[zuma]

I say good job but I think you may be a tad out of tune at times. Did you use a tuner? It's not terribly out of tune, just a little.

Some of those background vocals, though...eeesh...they're definitely out of tune. I know it's a demo and all but I just had to say it.

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by zuma

I say good job but I think you may be a tad out of tune at times. Did you use a tuner? It's not terribly out of tune, just a little.

Some of those background vocals, though...eeesh...they're definitely out of tune. I know it's a demo and all but I just had to say it.

Yes I used a tuner, but they're new strings and thick ones at that, so I think they're taking a while to break in.

This is a song from a CD they released. I just overdubbed bass on it as practice. The main lead is my guitarist, the background vocals are from the other musician in the group. I don't really care for his voice.

[phsycobass]

I like it. It tastefull and it's not too much for the track. It's good because it draws my attention to the bass line (but hey I'm a bassist!) but yet it doesn't interfere with the track. It could be a little tighter (the whole band) but if you don't have percusion or a click track it can be tough. You tone was good but not great (just preference) but maybe a little more high mids. The songs was also mixed quite well as far as the balance of the instrments goes. Good for a first attempt!

[zuma]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

Yes I used a tuner, but they're new strings and thick ones at that, so I think they're taking a while to break in.

In that case you may need to re-check our setup, specifically your intonation if the strings are that thick. Still, a solid first effort man!

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by zuma

In that case you may need to re-check our setup, specifically your intonation if the strings are that thick. Still, a solid first effort man!

Yeah I loosened the strings and made sure to pull them taut around the tuning peg as I tuned up, stretched them a bit more and double and triple checked my tuning as I played. My intonation is EVER so slightly off because I use a foam mute under my bridge cover, but it's very minor. I can barely tell by ear and all my octaves when played together ring clearly.

A part of it may be my technique. I believe with thicker strings it's easier to press too hard or the wrong way and throw the fret sharp.

Thanks again

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

My guitarist has a side project and a website full of the material on some CD's they've put out. They're a folk group and don't generally have a bass player. I decided to put some bass on one of the tracks.

I've been playing since about 2001, but not all that seriously and I took the last 2 years or so off. So basically this is my first attempt at putting a bass part that didn't already exist to a song.

I recorded my part direct from the DI on my Ashdown MAG 115 Combo into a Zoom H4. The bass I'm using is my Fender Highway One with Nordstrand NP4's, .1uf cap and Labella Jamerson flats through Jacques Fat Burner Compression. The tone control is wide open, and the EQ on the amp is Bass - 3:00, Low Mid - 2:00 - Mid, High Mid & Treb - Flat. Input gain is all the way up. I did do some peak limiting and slight boost of highs in Goldwave after the fact. I think it sounds fairly decent. It's my first attempt of course at recording as well.

Let me know what you think both of the tone and the playing. Thanks!

http://www.handidrummed.com/Far%20Too%20Empty%20(bass).mp3

Good job man!



Joe.

[zuma]

They would be lucky to have you as their full time bassist.

[phxlbrmpf]

I like your note choice but I'd try to let your notes ring out more, that way you'll produce more of a foundation for the track.

Personally, I think a pick would work great for this song but feel free to ignore my idea, I guess I simply like R.E.M. and Mike Mills's approach on their folk-ish tracks too much.

[bassbrock]

I like it. Where can I get more of their songs?

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by bassbrock

I like it. Where can I get more of their songs?

www.wheresaubrey.com

Also check out the band I'm in with Rhine, www.barebonesband.com Some of the songs that we play started out as Where's Aubrey songs. It's strange listening to those versions on the website. Some of them are incredibly different.

On Wednesday I'm going to take the bass and we're going to play for about an hour and work on some stuff.