how to get a vintage sound just for one song...

[GuzBaas]

...without changing the bass...

Id like to make my bass sound as vintage as possible for 3 and a half minutes, this is difficult to explain, I like how my bass sounds 95% of the time, so I don't think that buying another bass is the "best" solution... maybe there is a tube compressor/limiter, or overdrive or effect that helps...below 500 dollars would be good

[rratajski]

And what brand/model bass are you using???

[jarrod cunningham]

boss me50b ... hit the fretless and go .... nice boomy sound

[skulletwhip]

flatwound strings may help. those are WAY less than 500 dollars.

[The Lurker]

If you'd rather not change basses, try a Sansamp of some sort.

[donstrenz]

You could try overdriving an ART Tube MP (around $30-$40). Is it an old song? If so, which one?

[MetroBass]

+1 on the Sansamp. 150-250 dollars.

[ProfGumby]

Jam a strip of foam under the strings at the bridge for that one song?

[JimmyM]

Turn down the treble, boost anywhere between 125-200 hz and pick closer to the neck.

[James Hart]

I use an OLC Flipster for when I need a vintage type tone out of my active, extended range basses and somewhat modern toned rig.

[skulletwhip]

Originally Posted by ProfGumby

Jam a strip of foam under the strings at the bridge for that one song?

i concur

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by James Hart

I use an OLC Flipster for when I need a vintage type tone out of my active, extended range basses and somewhat modern toned rig.

That reminds me...does that Flipster have a treble roll-off or does it pass through whatever freqs your amp normally does?

BTW, that would be an excellent pedal for vintage. Baxandall EQ is total vintage and very musical the way it rolls off. And boosts.

[Gashaponcito]

maybe a VT, the Ampeg sound is very vintage sounding

[J. Crawford]

Originally Posted by skulletwhip

i concur

Seconded.

[whoatherechunk]

i don't think this is exactly an effects question.

[MNAirHead]

Serious..

Rip the arm off a stuffed animal.. put it under the string to dampen it.... you can adjust by taking or adding some of the stuffing... IF you like it make a "string pillow"

Many 60s hollow body basses had a dampner.. this serves the same function.. does not require you to put flats on your bass.

OR do the same thing with your right palm (assuming you're right handed)... and pick with your thumb near the neck... this will get you some type of thud.

Remember to roll off your clicky high ends.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by whoatherechunk

i don't think this is exactly an effects question.

No it's not, but since it's in Effects, I guess some people figured he was looking for an effect. Me, I always figure someone is more interested in saving money so I try to suggest free alternatives, but I guess people really just want to spend a lot of money on gear.

[tomhanzo]

Does the foam trick really work?

[woodster]

If you don`t have a Fender P any of the above.

[dinghy]

Originally Posted by donstrenz

You could try overdriving an ART Tube MP (around $30-$40). Is it an old song? If so, which one?

+1 I have one and it's just amazing. Gives a very fat sound, if that's what you mean.