Stick with my own sound?

[5string5fingers]

As a lot of players do when they start out playing, over the past few years I've tried to copy my favorite players tone,or get the same feel as them since I mostly play covers.

Recently in the past year or so I've started to notice and develop my own tone. Obviously we all have our own sound from the beginning but many don't start to realize it or notice until later.

So my internal conflict is if I should stick with my sound,or continue to try and stay true to the original sound. I'm almost getting consumed by trying to copy the original sound that I'm starting to stray away from what I really like.

[Winnb]

Do what you like.

[Chowowbus]

If you are still using a GK then I am sure your tone is great!

[5string5fingers]

Originally Posted by Winnb

Do what you like.

That doesn't help me out. Considering I love the tone of my favorite players as well as my own.

[FretlessMainly]

No matter how you try to emulate someone else's sound, it comes out as yours, or at least your variation of it. So much more goes into tone beyond amp/speaker configurations, amp settings, strings, bass and effects. Your personal style produces your end tone.

But seriously think about the question you're asking us: essentially you're asking if you should try to sound like someone else or sound like yourself. I would think that the answer would be obvious.

But, since you do play covers, there are times when you might want to at least approximate what the bassist on the recording sounds like. Bottom line for me would be to thine own self be true.

[Blacksack]

Originally Posted by FretlessMainly

No matter how you try to emulate someone else's sound, it comes out as yours, or at least your variation of it. So much more goes into tone beyond amp/speaker configurations, amp settings, and effects. Your style produces your end tone.

But seriously think about the question you're asking us: essentially you're asking if you should try to sound like someone else or sound like yourself. I would think that the answer would be obvious.

+1

if your tone is directly copied of your fave muso and is near enough identical you are in effect ripping them off

if however you try and copy your fave muso but still allow your inner self to shine through you are "influenced" by them but not a clone which allows you to make your own sound while still keeping that nod towards your hero

case in point my style is very much like steve harris (clanky) but if you put us both together you'd be able to tell instantly who's who

[treekiller]

Originally Posted by Chowowbus

If you are still using a GK then I am sure your tone is great!

+1!!!

[KingRazor]

I never tried to copy anyone else's tone. I don't really feel like I have my own signature tone either. When I play bass, it sounds like some dude playing bass.

If you're getting the tone you want, I don't see anything wrong with that.

[recreate.me]

If you are playing a cover and the tone is great, try it, it cant hurt. If you'd rather have your sound then use yours. Be yourself, you'll be more comfortable.

[MalcolmAmos]

Sounds like your personality expects exact. Nothing you can do about that you will just have to work it out yourself. But, I'm sure you have already run into this before.

[5string5fingers]

Originally Posted by Blacksack

+1

if your tone is directly copied of your fave muso and is near enough identical you are in effect ripping them off

if however you try and copy your fave muso but still allow your inner self to shine through you are "influenced" by them but not a clone which allows you to make your own sound while still keeping that nod towards your hero

case in point my style is very much like steve harris (clanky) but if you put us both together you'd be able to tell instantly who's who

Good point. Strange thing is,there is one bass players who's tone naturally comes out and I sound like, I guess because he's been the biggest influence on my play,but it doesn't really match other styles I play.

I'm talking about Todd Harrell from 3 Doors Down. He's got a very deep,fat, tone but still has growl on heavier songs,but that tone doesn't really match other music I play like metallica,alice in chains, and the offspring,who have more in your face,bright, aggressive bassists.

I agree my question is a bit stupid and obvious,but I guess i'm just looking for more words of wisdom and guidance. It's kind of like looking at a high end sports car when you're a family man. You love the speed,the looks,the sound, and the status that comes with it,but in the end it's just not you,you feel more comfortable driving a nice sedan like a volvo.

I love those aggressive sounds but I never like how they sound when I play them, I always want to roll off the treble and fatten things up.