Effects that emulate double bass (contrabass)

[Kleinzeitnz]

Hi there,

I've had a good look through the effects forum and can't find a previously posted answer to this question, but apologies in advance if I missed anything...

Is there an effect on the market that does a reasonable job of emulating a double bass when applied to a fretless bass guitar?

(I own a German custom fretless made by this company: http://www.lefay.de/. It's a great instrument and I'm very happy with it, but curious to know whether there's anything out there or whether it would require 'the real thing'.)

[kevteop]

Boss does some so-called "Acoustic Simulator" units (AC-3 compact, AD-8 multi-looking thing). I've never heard one and they're intended for guitar, but it might be worth trying.

Personally I'd be looking at finding a suitable fretless to stick a set of flats on. I used to have a Godin Acoustibass (precursor to the "A4") that did a pretty decent job of it.

[niftydog]

Originally Posted by Kleinzeitnz

Is there an effect on the market that does a reasonable job of emulating a double bass when applied to a fretless bass guitar?

No.

But it does depend on your definition of "reasonable" I suppose.

Originally Posted by kevteop

Boss does some so-called "Acoustic Simulator" units (AC-3 compact, AD-8 multi-looking thing). I've never heard one and they're intended for guitar, but it might be worth trying.

I'll save you the time, it ain't worth it unless your double bass sounds like Nana Mouskouri strangling her cat... with a slinky.


Whenever these threads come up, someone, somewhere manages to sell a dusty Ashbory Bass to some nutbag like myself!

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Kleinzeitnz

Is there an effect on the market that does a reasonable job of emulating a double bass when applied to a fretless bass guitar?

No.

Originally Posted by Kleinzeitnz

It's a great instrument and I'm very happy with it, but curious to know whether there's anything out there or whether it would require 'the real thing'.

There are other options. A hollowbody bass with flats, played with DB technique, can get close enough for some purposes (like if you just need an approximation for a song or two). Some people say a P bass with a foam mute at the bridge, and flats, and DB technique, will get near there too. And of course there are EUB's if you are willing to learn that DB fingerboard, and your only issue with 'the real thing' is the physical bulk and expense of a real DB.

I've seen a number of "doublers" post saying that the most critical element to getting a DB sound from a BG is playing with DB technique. Like you could play a Spector with roundwounds, and if you used DB technique it would get you close enough to do the job for the casual non-bassist audience.

[David1234]

Play slightly out of tune all the time? And after 30 minutes, start to drag your timing and move every song to the same tempo.

Okay just kidding. That's just what it sounds like when I play DB.... (although it sounds okay when I've had a chance to practice).

[WillBuckingham]

Originally Posted by David1234

Play slightly out of tune all the time? And after 30 minutes, start to drag your timing and move every song to the same tempo.

[Andrew.Glose]

You don't need any effects. You've already got everything you need in your hands. Just spend some time with your instrument.

With a combination of palm muting (more like dampening) and playing with your thumb, you can get this sound. Not spot on, but very upright-like.

Andrew

[Jazz Ad]

+1.
I get upright-like tones from my bass without any effect.

[dean82]

Originally Posted by Kleinzeitnz

Hi there,


(I own a German custom fretless made by this company: http://www.lefay.de/. It's a great instrument and I'm very happy with it, but curious to know whether there's anything out there or whether it would require 'the real thing'.)

Most of the suggestions so far dealing with DB technique and various types of muting will really not get you there IMO. Those things can help simulate the rapid string decay of a DB relative to a long scale electric bass, but as we all know you gotta have the mwaaah.

IMO, the only real way to even get in to the ballpark of a DB with an electric is with a short scale fretless. The ideal setup would be a Rob Allen Mouse. Here is a vid just to end all debate. The bass solo is at 2:20 and it's ballpark to a DB (and I mean ballpark) but miles closer than any 34" scale electric, fretless or otherwise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6oApthi3VQ

Since a Mouse will set you back about 2 grand here is a cheap way to get close.
Get an SX SJMB-62 short scale fretless bass and go to acoustic/electric nylon cores (LaBella Piccolo as an example). Get a set of 4 Graphtech Ghost piezo saddles and a Graphtech pre. Install it all and you will have a similar tone to the Mouse in the vid for a total cost of $350 new and less than $300 if you can find stuff used. More expensive than a stomp box, but it's fun as heck to play and is truly unique with the upright tone you're looking for.

My .02

[EADG mx]

I think you'd be better off buying a DB, or failing that converting an electric.

Fretless + flats + foam under the bridge + setup + technique.

[GianGian]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

I think you'd be better off buying a DB, or failing that converting an electric.

Fretless + flats + foam under the bridge + setup + technique.

+short scale.

[Candybassed]

I use a Crafter acoustic fretless with rotosound nylon tapered strings and I can get a convincing upright sound. These bases are not expensive (£249) and sound grea thru most amps. Especially valve or acoustic amps. They wee made to be plugged in, they don't carry over an unplugged ac. gtr.

Candybassed

www.myspace.com/big_wm

[tonequixote]

The Roland V bass will get you close enough to convince most. When blended with my Rob Allens , it flat out works as well as any amplified DB tonally to my ears and many others. YMMV.