Identify this sound!

Rob-M · #1 11-10-2006, 03:52 PM

This thursday I saw We Are Scientists live at Brixton Academy, and one of the support bands was Roland Shanks. When they came on and Jamie Blanco (bassist/leadsinger)started playing I was amazed at the tone or effect he had on his bass. His playing wasn't all that great as he was lead singer aswell, but the sound was definately great!

I think the bass guitar was a Washburn (I can't beleive I forgot!) and here's a pic of him and the bass, so first of all could you please tell me if this isn't and if so what it is http://brestclub.ru/about/PhotoAlbum...?b_start:int=2

Also here's there myspace profile, and that tone is best demonstrated on Melon Sounds (sounded so much better live though!) http://www.myspace.com/rolandshanks

So any info on what amp he may be using, or effect, or pups etc. would be a great way to help me try and get this tone

Thanks, Rob

fourstringdrums · #2 11-10-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob-M

This thursday I saw We Are Scientists live at Brixton Academy, and one of the support bands was Roland Shanks. When they came on and Jamie Blanco (bassist/leadsinger)started playing I was amazed at the tone or effect he had on his bass. His playing wasn't all that great as he was lead singer aswell, but the sound was definately great!

I think the bass guitar was a Washburn (I can't beleive I forgot!) and here's a pic of him and the bass, so first of all could you please tell me if this isn't and if so what it is http://brestclub.ru/about/PhotoAlbum...?b_start:int=2

Also here's there myspace profile, and that tone is best demonstrated on Melon Sounds (sounded so much better live though!) http://www.myspace.com/rolandshanks

So any info on what amp he may be using, or effect, or pups etc. would be a great way to help me try and get this tone

Thanks, Rob

That bass is a Rickenbacker, I believe a 4003.

Rob-M · #3 11-10-2006, 03:59 PM

Ahh, yes of course i remeber now lol! Ok cheers, any idea wot head, effect or pups he may be using? You could tell the bass had been modified and maybe a new pre-amp had been put in.

Sneckumhaw · #4 11-10-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob-M

Ahh, yes of course i remeber now lol! Ok cheers, any idea wot head, effect or pups he may be using? You could tell the bass had been modified and maybe a new pre-amp had been put in.

That sound is very easy to make with a rickenbacker turned up loud, they're possibly the greatest instruments ever built.

Rob-M · #5 11-10-2006, 04:21 PM

This base is a bit out of my price range atm, but are there any alternative brands that can produce the same sort of sound? Also, looking at the 4003, the neck pickup seems to be too small to rest my thumb on which is where I usually anchor it, but if I did get one I guess I would have to adapt to anchoring on the e-string or using floating thumb lol.