Tone N00B Needs Help!!

[Joesick]

I've been playing bass for about 5 years but I've always focused more on technique and song craftsmanship than tone. My snarly scratchings are beginning to bug me and I would appreciate some advice!

I currently use a Musicman SUB bass, I have the Bass and Treble knobs both at full. I play a battered old Stagg Amp where I have Bass 3/4, Low Mid Full, High Mid 3/4 and Treble Full. It's a bit scratchy and mean-sounding, which is great when I'm playing metal stuff, but I want a warmer, poppier tone.
Think Mark Hoppus.

Any help would be much appreciated!


(Also if I've said anything that shouldn't be said on bass forums forgive me, this is my first post )

PS. I play with a pick.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Joesick

(Also if I've said anything that shouldn't be said on bass forums forgive me, this is my first post )

"Think Mark Hoppus"

[Joesick]

The tone the tone not the technique.

I think anyone who's been playing more than a week is better.

But he sounds nice

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Joesick

The tone the tone not the technique.

I think anyone who's been playing more than a week is better.

But he sounds nice

I suggest you buy the Mark Hoppus signature bass from fender, and found out whatever amp he uses and buy that too.

[Joesick]

Until I find some way of growing money (a job!)
What amp settings do you think would give me that nice warm, full sound?

I play in a three-piece you see, I need to fill out the sound when the guitarist shows off haha

[Zebra]

If it sounds scratchy then turn down the treble. Try playing with your fingers too.

[yaniv]

the bass makes it sounds like "wooooooo",notes become unclear
low mid gives the growl to the sound
high mid softens the sound a bit
trebles makes it punchy and sounds more sharp,notes become a bit more clear

so for the warmer tone i suggest this:
lots of bass
low mid a bit lower than the bass\equal to the amount of bass
high mid flat or try to cut both mid controls to 0%
cut treble a bit

[Joesick]

That's brilliant thanks Yaniv

[Vegiehead]

Just a thought...If your playing with a pick.. is the pick flat against the string before you pluck it? it will give a nasty sound if it isnt.


I know its simple but its also often over looked.


Cheers

Vegie

[Joesick]

It depends what I'm playing, for the simpler rockier parts I flatten it against the string and really go for it. For the more metally fast shreddy sections I use the pointy end for alternate picking and sweeping.
If I was to vocalise my sound it would be this:

"GROINK!"