I'm Looking For a Certain Synth Bass Sound

[RColie]

Hi folks,

This is my first post in the "effects" section. I've browsed and searched quite a bit but can't find the answer I'm looking for.

The question: How can I get the type of synth bass sound (using a bass and pedals) as found on the songs listed below. I know they don't all sound exactly the same, but they give you the idea of the sound I want. The sound is mostly clean, with an initial attack and a bit of whup in the note. I've tried various bass synth pedals, but I couldn't get near the sound I'm after. I figure some type of envelope filter needs to be involved, and I can go either individual pedals or a multi unit.

The songs:

Auratune - Dave Weckl
Hey Miss Sun - Boz Scaggs
Super Woman - Stevie Wonder
Human - Human League
Too High - Stevie Wonder
Chameleon - Herbie Hancock

Thanks!

Bob

[DeltaPhoenix]

Roland GR-55

[Phatbottom]

Boss OC-2 with your choice of fuzz and filter. You will come close to all, exactly like none.

[ksandvik]

The Stevie Wonder bass lines were done with T.O.N.T.O -- doubt you could even find a suitable analog synth keyboard to reproduce that sound 1:1.

[RColie]

Thanks for the replies!

To DeltaPhoenix: Yeah, the Roland GR-55 looks cool (and I did notice you're selling one!). I don't know if I want to go through the steep learning curve (and install anything on my bass) with that one.

To Phatbottom: As I think about my tone quest, I realize that some of my examples have octaves and some don't. Hmmm..

And to ksandvik: You're right, that sound would be hard to get even close to. I might be asking too much here...

Bob

[meursault42]

I'd say the octave filter fuzz would be a good place to start, and you'll learn a lot in the process. Although, if you've got the coin, the Chunk Octavius Squeezer might be something worth looking at.

[HolmeBass]

Originally Posted by RColie

The songs:

Auratune - Dave Weckl
Hey Miss Sun - Boz Scaggs
Super Woman - Stevie Wonder
Human - Human League
Too High - Stevie Wonder
Chameleon - Herbie Hancock

Thanks!

Bob

I always thought the bass on "Chameleon" was just Paul Jackson's P-Bass through an envelope filter; sounds like a subtle down-sweep filter to me.

The wiki says it was played on an ARP Odyssey, but that assertion has no citation to back it up. Also, Paul is credited on the track, and there is definitely bass in there on the B section, and I can not tell where exactly the "synth bass" cuts out in favor of his P-bass. I think the wiki is wrong.

[JohnDavisNYC]

Definitely ARP on the A sections... I want whatever p-bass and envelope filter sound like that!

Paul comes in doubling the line at some point. Can't remember where...

JD

[ThudThudThud]

I'm gonna get flamed so bad for this (bring it...).

The Synth effect on the Behringer V-Amp Pro Bass makes terrific noises. Not far from what you're looking for.
Problem is that it's a two space rack unit. Inexpensive, though.
One of the better Synth Effects I've heard/played with.

[pedulla1]

Electro-Harmonix Bass Microsynth & Blogger Distortion Pedals - YouTube
Ed Fried land comes close with the EHX Bass Micro Synth.

[DeltaPhoenix]

Yeah I am selling one, it is super awesome and there is a bit of a learning curve. Unlike the other pedals it is polypohnic, you can have a doubled bass line underneath, it loops, etc. It is probably the best, least latent option while still playing a bass.

There is a way to install the pickup and not have to drill into the bass, nothing permanent. I have all of the components for that too.

[Mr.Hat]

I have heard that IronEther is working on a t.o.n.t.o emulator in stompbox format , the Kemosabe squarewave . . .

[JamesHommersen]

Originally Posted by Mr.Hat

I have heard that IronEther is working on a t.o.n.t.o emulator in stompbox format , the Kemosabe squarewave . . .

Now this is very interesting....gotta keep an eye out

[RColie]

OK, T.O.N.T.O. aside , I took another listen to the songs I have listed above.

The most obvious attribute is the "dwop" which I assume is some sort of filter sweep (up, down??). Also, there is very little distortion (square wave?) in the sound, especially the Stevie Wonder songs. The notes tend to have an initial attack to them (can't really describe the sound), and there is a bit of a "slide" from one note to the next. The transition between "Super Woman" and the second half of the song "Where were you when I needed you" illustrates the sound pretty well.

I listened to Ed's demo of the EHX Microsynth. He gets pretty close, but even with the "guitar" clean signal maxed and the "square wave" distortion all the way down, there's still some fuzziness to the sound.

Anyway, all input is appreciated. Thanks!

Bob

[PJSim]

Originally Posted by Mr.Hat

I have heard that IronEther is working on a t.o.n.t.o emulator in stompbox format , the Kemosabe squarewave . . .

Mr.Hat speak with forked tongue I think But I would buy that pedal for sure