TONE - who, what, and why

[LeftyLB70P]

I have decided to begin actively working on very specifically identifying the tone that I like and learning how to achieve those tones (I already know that there are various sounds like I like depending on the genre, the gig, etc). One of the things that I am doing is identifying specific players and recordings and literally writing down a description of that specific tone.

So who/what do you like? I will throw one out immediately.
Ross Valory (Journey) - Don't stop believing - notes have a 'burping' sound - slightly crunchy on the edges, each note is even volume wise and fades evenly after the initial attack.

If you want to offer insight in to how the person achieves their tone (such as 'tube amp', 'type of pick up or bass', etc), so much the better.

[bassist 4 life]

compressor im guessing.

[bassteban]

We cover that tune- I dial in fairly strong chorus & compression, pluck toward the rear pickup & lightly touch the open E(first note of the phrase)at the 5th or 12th fret to bring in some harmonic 'chime'.