(If I posted in the wrong forum, I apologize and feel free to move.)
Like a lot of bass players, I chase tone. I have a tone in my head that I have been trying to express in performance and in practice that is really hard for me to attain. Much of the problem has been technique, and starting to use the "floating thumb" has helped a great deal. Another part, was switching to a bass that allowed me more control over tone, the Fender Jaguar has pushed me even closer. Now, I am looking at my amp and effects chain to dial myself even closer.
I play blues and rock in a jammy sort of five piece band. I funk it up sometimes, rarely slap or play with a pick. I play the Jag through a solid state Peavey Tour 450. The only effects that matter (for this post) are my Sanamp BDDI and Boss ODB-3.
The tone I am chasing is one that cuts through the two guitars, vocals, and harmonica. I like a high mid punch, some fuzz or dirt always sounds good to me. If I had to be cornered into a guy to sound like... it would be Allen Woody from Gov't Mule, although I am not trying to cop his sound, Woodys tone is good starting point for reference.
So heres the point (finally, I'm sure you are saying to yourself): I left my effects home the past few practices. I felt really frustrated with the Sansamp and ODB. I decided to start from scratch, just the Jag and the Peavey's EQ.
Let me tell you, what a difference. I did some research on different frequency ranges and dialed up a really nice tone. Just working with the pre and post gain and graphic EQ really helped out a lot. I am much happier now than when playing with the SANSAMP and ODB. I feel that I gave up some dirt to have much more control over my tone, and much less in the ways of controls, switches, buttons and dials to deal with. I love my effects, but I got a grindy tone last night that I never got with the ODB.
So, maybe I have the wrong approach? Maybe I have the wrong effects? How do you dial in a tone using a graphic EQ and whole floor full of effects?
I am not interested in your settings. I am interested in the process or method you use to get set up. How do you deal with changing instruments that have very different tones (Example, a five string PJ with flats, a Jag with roundwounds, and an EB-3 with rounds)?
Sorry for the long post... this was almost therapeutic... it allowed me to get my thoughts down. I welcome your suggestions and advice... or your scorn and flames.
