Grindy Rickenbacker Tone

Step · #1 01-20-2009, 10:09 AM

ok this is probably one of the most-asked questions in the effects forum, but I'd still like an answer

I play a Dearmond starfire reissue, which is a semi-hollow bass, but sometimes I'd like it to sound like the bassist from cold war kids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rfDvpfC2bw

he uses a rickenbacker, but I think the sound he has can be achieved by using a low-grit dist or a sansamp, and since a rickenbacker is out of my reach money-wise and is hard to get in europe I thought I'd try it this way

another tone I like is on love train by wolfmother, also a rickenbacker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeHwgR8pQhg

soo, any suggestions? personally I was thinking of a Sansamp but I really dont know if a sansamp can achieve this

P.S: I did a search but came up with unsatisfactory results

bigchiefbc · #2 01-20-2009, 10:17 AM

This is definitely not the answer you were looking for, but bear with me for a sec. I was looking for that tone for years, and I tried several effects to capture it. All failed. Then, on a suggestion from a Rick owner, I picked up an old Peavey T-40 for like 250 bucks. And it was so damn close to a Rick tone, I almost passed out. So, save yourself lots of money and aggravation, and find an old T-40.

That is the best I can offer you.

stflbn · #3 01-20-2009, 10:18 AM

Both those are fairly deep and IMHO muddy sounding bass tones. No reason you couldn't get that on your semi hollow either with a Sansamp or something like a Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive to add a touch of grit/hair to the tone.

Honestly, neither of those sound anything like a trademark Rickenbacker as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't be at all surprised if something else was used in the studio for both those tracks.

Chronicle · #4 01-20-2009, 10:47 AM

Nothing but a Rickenbacker and a T-40 will get you the Rick sound. Take it from me, a Rick owner and someone who's played a T-40 and sees all these threads like this one. Save up and get a Rick, that's my best suggestion ;]

SoLongJake · #5 01-20-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Both those are fairly deep and IMHO muddy sounding bass tones. No reason you couldn't get that on your semi hollow either with a Sansamp or something like a Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive to add a touch of grit/hair to the tone.

Honestly, neither of those sound anything like a trademark Rickenbacker as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't be at all surprised if something else was used in the studio for both those tracks.

big +1, neither of those bass tones sound ric specific. you could get that tone on pretty much any bass.

bigchiefbc · #6 01-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoLongJake

big +1, neither of those bass tones sound ric specific. you could get that tone on pretty much any bass.

You know, I was just going by the post, I didn't even listen to the clips. But you guys are right, those aren't overly Rick-y tones. Nothing like this:

Ricktastic

(starts @ 0:45)

Chronicle · #7 01-20-2009, 11:21 AM

And now i'll be playing this song

Jools4001 · #8 01-20-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoLongJake

neither of those bass tones sound ric specific. you could get that tone on pretty much any bass.

Yep, including a Ric.

They're not just one trick ponies you know, they've got a vast array of tones...but there is one trick that only they can do.

stflbn · #9 01-20-2009, 11:52 AM

But... going out and buying a Ric because he wants the tone in those video clips is not necessary. Those seem like 'look cool playing a ric' rather than 'play it to sound like a ric'.

TaySte_2000 · #10 01-20-2009, 11:54 AM

I own both a ric and a starfire though my starfire is loaded with darkstars.

They are massively different in tone but to me the thing that is going to get you closest is the discontinued Zoom Power Drive PD-01

Other option would be something like a Hondo ric copy from the 70's or other Matsumoku Ric at the time

Valerus · #11 01-20-2009, 01:09 PM

ahhh Roundabout

bassninja7 · #12 01-20-2009, 01:13 PM

dude!
Chris Ross is amazing!

pretty much ric(or Pbass) into svt cranked....
i know he has some EHX pedals though, the models escape me.....

icarussmicarus · #13 01-20-2009, 09:57 PM

I've got a Zoom power drive I'd be willing to part with hahaha

Chronicle · #14 01-21-2009, 01:41 PM

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7261676

Just tried the song now, but that's some sick Rick tone there ;]