Getting that growl

mdsmith · #1 12-14-2009, 04:36 AM

Hey guys, I'm relitively new to bass, and have a tone question. I'm playing a Fender deluxe active jazz bass. I'm trying to figure out how to get that growl tone that people like Geddy Lee get. I strung it with Roto nickle wounds, but I just can't seem to get the sound I have in my head. I realize that I'll never sound like Geddy Lee, but does anyone have and tips on getting closer to the sound? Thanks

tom once dead · #2 12-14-2009, 04:38 AM

Im pretty sure geddy uses a sansamp pre, same as the pre that in the PBDDI.

Aenema · #3 12-14-2009, 04:39 AM

He attacks his strings very aggressively. I am not sure of his EQ settings. I'm sure someone on here will know.

NKBassman · #4 12-14-2009, 04:40 AM

Start by pulling the strings as hard as you ****ing can, really make them snap every time you pluck them. Now keep practicing that way for the rest of your life.

This is, IMO, one of the most essential parts to Geddy's tone. It's all in his hands.

Also, what kind of amp are you using? That would (could) play a significant part as well.

mdsmith · #5 12-14-2009, 05:02 AM

I'm just using an Acoustics 20 watter. It's my first bass and amp, so it's it's nothing fancy

Qvist · #6 12-14-2009, 05:06 AM

That's like wanting to participate in a race with a your grandmother's Fiat Punto! Get yourself an amp with a lot more watts, you'll definately feel much more power coming from an amp. If you want growl from the bass to sound good, you need some powerful lows to support it. I'd suggest getting something in the 200-300watt area. Depends on whether it's tube or not. Gallien Krueger are the best solid state amps for growl I've ever played (they rock!).

NKBassman · #7 12-14-2009, 01:52 PM

Also, get a sansamp, this is another integral part of Geddy's grind. I'd go for an RBI or RPM rackmount if you have the cash, but I hear the "bass driver DI" and "VT Bass" pedals are also good.

Earthday · #8 12-14-2009, 03:22 PM

The Roto stainless steels will do better. A Sansamp will help a lot. A stronger attack will help. More gain and/or some overdrive will help. Experiment, you'll find other cool tones along the way.

NKBassman · #9 12-14-2009, 07:03 PM

Yes, Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings, my personal favorite.

bohemond · #10 12-14-2009, 11:32 PM

I have the same bass delux jazz you have and have also owned a Geddy Lee. The Geddy Lee in itself has alot more growl than the bass you are using.If you ever get a chance to play a Geddy Lee jazz you will notice quite a difference. I couldnt get used to the skinny neck so I traded it out. But it had much more growl for sure

Jim Nazium · #11 12-15-2009, 02:10 PM

You can favor the bridge pickup a bit; that usually gives a more growly sound. I'd definitely experiment with the pickup blend knob, EQ settings, and maybe some different strings before I started buying more equipment.

mdsmith · #12 12-16-2009, 04:55 AM

Thanks for all the advise guys. The bridge pickup definitely helps. I'll also give the SS strings a try. I'm not sure I want to go out and buy a new amp just yet, but I'm sure it would make a huge difference.

tom once dead · #13 12-16-2009, 05:04 AM

easiest way to get close geddys tone is with this though.
http://www.bestbassgear.com/sansamp-bass-driver-di.htm
OR http://www.bestbassgear.com/tech-21-vt-bass.htm

eyecandy · #14 12-16-2009, 05:24 AM

to nail that geddy tone.. i think a little bit of overdrive or distortion and use the bridge J pickup..

Absentia · #15 12-16-2009, 05:57 AM

I;ve been trying to get rid of it, how I get it is to pluck the strings really hard and evenly.

bassplayer22 · #16 12-16-2009, 09:01 AM

There is a thread on TB where Geddy's tech breaks down his setup. He uses an Avalon as well as a few other things in there. Search for the thread because it has a lot of good info in it about Geddy. On bassplayer.tv there is a video as well.

Tim