Dirk Lance Bass tone

rporcupine · #1 03-19-2005, 07:44 AM

How do I get that really punchy, distinct and crisp bass tone? yet keeping the low end rolling and thundering?

if anyone has ever heard dirk lance from incubus, or flea from chilis, youll know what im talking about.

if anyone can b arsed, listen to something like New Skin (S.C.I.E.N.C.E) 2:30 into it. or even the intro to Deep inside (S.C.I.E.N.C.E) - both incubus songs.

I dnt have a high budget at all, but i need to know the simplest way of sounding like that. help

**NOLA Bass** · #2 03-19-2005, 09:51 AM

Dirk plays Warwick Streamer Stage models. Pretty pricey basses, but you might want to check out a Euro Spector if that hits your price range. A little different but the modern tone he has. You might also like some of the other Warwick models that cost less like the Corvette. You should be able to AB those at a Guitar Center first, then you can buy it from another retailer (just kidding, sort of). He also has a modern amp tone with SWR.

Corbis · #3 03-19-2005, 03:48 PM

I thought he had an Eden amp.

I-Love-Ratm · #4 03-19-2005, 03:51 PM

Yup he uses Eden gear.For distortion he uses a Big Muff.And he sometimes plays a 65 jazz

Halftooth · #5 03-19-2005, 11:50 PM

Alex's tone is Warwick, Eden, and Sansamp Overdrive, that's really it other than some stomp pedals from time to time. If I had to recommend one thing however, it would be the Sansamp. His tone is slightly distorted to begin with, and the Sansamp gives it that edgy, distorted tone.

rporcupine · #6 03-20-2005, 04:46 AM

thanks, is that a pedal? or what? where can i get one? (im in the uk) - ps im not really that experienced with technical stuff like this, but would a boss odb-3 get that slight overdrive? if so what settings?

Halftooth · #7 03-20-2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rporcupine

thanks, is that a pedal? or what? where can i get one? (im in the uk) - ps im not really that experienced with technical stuff like this, but would a boss odb-3 get that slight overdrive? if so what settings?

Well, I'm not a real authority on pedals and such, but the Sansamp has a very distinct tone and one that you can pick out the majority of the time, so my guess would be that the Boss pedal may sound similar, but in the end, it's still different. The Sansamp is a pedal by the way.

I-Love-Ratm · #8 03-20-2005, 01:43 PM

Are you sure he uses a Sansamp?Is it the BDDI?Cos that gives your tone a vintageish vibe.That certainly isn't him

Halftooth · #9 03-20-2005, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Love-Ratm

Are you sure he uses a Sansamp?Is it the BDDI?Cos that gives your tone a vintageish vibe.That certainly isn't him

Yes, I'm positive he used the Sansamp unit. IIRC, it's the Bass Driver model that he used most often, but I also remember when talking to him last before he left Incubus that he was using a Sansampo rack mount unit as well.

rockstarbassist · #10 03-31-2005, 07:40 PM

Last BP issue he was in lists the setup for his "Morning View" tours.

Start out with 2 Warwick Streamer Stage II basses, with upgraded Bassline pickups, add a fretless Warwick Streamer II fretless and a '65 Jazz, you'll get his instruments. Plus, fresh Ernie Ball Slinkies.

Then, go for 3 separate Eden Navigator pre's, each going to a separate Eden power amp, then into 2 4x10's (EQ'd individually for highs,mids and lows), for a total of 6, and you've got his amps.

Add on a Demeter Optical Tube compressor, few phasers, flangers, NYC USA Big Muff, CAE switcher and footswitch, and you've got that.

Take his years of practice and flat-out talent, you'll be the next Dirk.