Any ideas?!

[richard.j1980]

Hi folks,

I have a Ashdown ABM500 with a 1x15 & 2x10, which is fantastic, but sometimes feel that my sound has no thickness or character to it... Any suggestions?!

My bass is a Ibanez ACTIVE bass with loads of tone control and i plug it in directly to the amp.

I have a switch of the ABM amp (Flat / Shape) which makes the sound really thick, but then does not cut through and kills the punch to my sound... someone else have suggested a modelling box, i really do not know how to tackle this?!??!

Is it quite normal that when bassist gig that they use a preamp or some piece of kit to model their sound?!

Any ideas on modelling boxes if so... which ones (suggestions has been Line 6 POD XT)

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks

[roflol]

more mids if you want to cut through a bit better not more bass. maybe go for a overdrive though for a bit more growl

[bongomania]

+1
Also, forget the modeling devices. They are designed for emulating an amp when there is no amp, e.g. when recording direct to the mixer or when playing through headphones. Running them through an amp that already has tone-shaping is IMO just a recipe for muddy sound and extra noise.

Spend some time talking with your bandmates about the frequency ranges their instruments fill up, and "notch" yourself between them by emphasizing the range they are not occupying. Typically this means boosting yourself in the range just above the kick drum and just below the low notes of the guitarists. If you have a keyboardist, tell them to lay off with the left hand in your note range.

[sikamikanico]

I'd try a passive bass... something simple like a precision or a jazz bass... with good strings...

a box/processor would probably not do the trick, maybe the Aphex Bass Exciter...


for character, I'd dial in more of the tube (valve) sound... or less, heh, both have advantages and disadvantages...

[Swimming Bird]

I don't suppose your Ibanez has a sweepable midrange control? I have an old 885 and it's just brilliant.

I would start over. Set your amp's shaping flat and get as close to your ideal sound with just your bass then adjust the amp's tone section. If you're patient and adjust things little by little I don't see why you can't get the tone you want.

Like Bongo implied, you might be surprised at what you frequencies you should cut or boost to get the sound in your head, it can be contradictory.

[richard.j1980]

Thanks guys,

You've been a great help as always!