Duff MCkagan tone on a precision bass

growler571 · #1 03-31-2011, 11:16 PM

Hell folks. I am wondering is it possible to get close to Duff Mckagan's bright tone from G&R using jsut an american standard precsion bass, or do I need the added J pickup in the bridge position? What if I just jack the tone control all the way up to the treble side? I want to sell my SB2 bass and get a 62 precison bass, but I am afraid it wont get bright enough without the added J pickup in the bridge postion to get that tone. Do any of you fellow bassists use just a Stadard American Precision to cop his tone, when u r doing G&R tunes? All commesnts thoughts welcome. Thanks growler571

jimmyjames77 · #2 03-31-2011, 11:23 PM

You can get a great rock tone from that bass but it won't sound all that close to duff's tone. But who cares? Good tone is good tone.

KLEIN · #3 03-31-2011, 11:28 PM

Duffs tone comes from a P J pickup configuration, GK amps, and maybe a slight chourus effect.

growler571 · #4 03-31-2011, 11:33 PM

Yeah I was thinkin that xtra J pickup makes all the difference in getting Duff's tone. I think I will get the AM DLX PRECISION BASS instead. There is something about my G&L SB2 that just doesnt feel or sound right to me. Myabe I just got to get used to it more.? Duffs tone is one of my favorites for modern rock. But I need to get that P pickup smooth sound too for older tunes, and my SB2 just seems too agressive maybe for that some older stuff.

Schizoid75 · #5 03-31-2011, 11:39 PM

+1 for the chorus effect. I don't think it's that slight either. You can really hear it whenever he players a higher part or when he's not covered up the guitars.

Rano Bass · #6 04-01-2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLEIN

Duffs tone comes from a P J pickup configuration, GK amps, and maybe a slight chourus effect.

All that and a pick.

JTE · #7 04-01-2011, 02:13 AM

AND the inherently nasal midrange the basswood bodies used on the Jazz Bass Special. I was a.Fender dealer ('77-'88) and all the JBS have that sound unamplified. It's exacerbated or enhanced, depending on your tastes, by the inherent coloration of a P/J combination.

John

BrandonBass · #8 04-01-2011, 01:07 PM

I dont see why not, this guy can get a similar tone using a jazz bass(imo sounds better than duff aswell)

YouTube - Dir en grey - Multi Angle Children - Toshiya

Just boost treble, string on new roundwounds and play with a pick near the neck with low action and you'll get real close.

nocontrols · #9 04-02-2011, 01:12 AM

??? You don't have to clone someone's rig EXACTLY to get a similar tone. You could nail GNR tone by playing with a pick and tilting a P's tone knob all the way up. It amazes me how people forget how versatile the amp and bass you're playing RIGHT NOW are. Also, I agree with BrandonBass ^^^ make sure you're using fresh roundwounds and your bass will sing out nice and bright. Don't forget that Duff has said he always hated active basses so I think you're on the right track just playing a passive Fender, for starters.