"Lead" Synth on Bass

Thombo30 · #1 01-27-2010, 06:40 AM

Hi

I play in a covers band and we don't have a keyboard player. There are a couple of tunes we'd like to do that would benefit from a bit of lead synth e.g. "Jump" by Van Halen (just the main riff played monophonic, not the solo - that would be tough!) and "In-between Days" by The Cure. Does anyone know of a simple & reasonably priced pedal that can do an approximation of these classic sounds? It doesn't have to be spot on - just good enough to make the tune recognizable.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Paul

Grimoire · #2 01-27-2010, 06:43 AM

Not sure about the 'cheaper' options, but the Markbass Supersynth can get similar sounds, as can the Akai Deep Impact.

kaputsport · #3 01-27-2010, 06:59 AM

I use the Akai Deep Impact as my Main synth, but have the FM4, Bass Synth Wah and SB7 from Ibanez as well..

I can get a very convincing lead tone out of all of them...

Hoover · #4 01-27-2010, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thombo30

There are a couple of tunes we'd like to do that would benefit from a bit of lead synth e.g. "Jump" by Van Halen (just the main riff played monophonic

??? How do you play the main riff "monophonic" when its entire identity, the very thing that makes it identifiable as a Riff is its polyphony?

cheapbasslovin · #5 01-27-2010, 07:15 AM

I think your best bet to get passably close to those tones is with a POG/HOG and an eq or very mild overdrive. Even then it will be difficult.

Thombo30 · #6 01-27-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimoire

Not sure about the 'cheaper' options, but the Markbass Supersynth can get similar sounds, as can the Akai Deep Impact.

Thanks - they have the Markbass at the gallery in Camden so I'll give it a go.

Thombo30 · #7 01-27-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

??? How do you play the main riff "monophonic" when its entire identity, the very thing that makes it identifiable as a Riff is its polyphony?

Its not ideal - but I have the impression that these pedals struggle with double stops etc. It might sound a little thin but hopefully it'll be good enough for people to enjoy it. Any thoughts on whether this can be done on bass?

Thombo30 · #8 01-27-2010, 08:01 AM

Thanks to all of you for such quick responses. Looks like I'm spoilt for choice.

Grimoire · #9 01-27-2010, 08:49 AM

The Markbass wont sound thin at all, not if you tweak it, in fact it sounds anything but! I think you should be able to achieve something passable. Just remember that if you test the Markbass in store you wont have access to its full capabilities without the editing software.

seamus bass · #10 01-27-2010, 05:09 PM

a fretless bass and boss rt-20 does me pretty good for the lead in pink floyd's "shine on you crazy diamond" and the end of "on the run"

Ba55Man1ac · #11 02-02-2010, 05:27 AM

A V-Bass or VB-99 is what you need for polyphonic synth joy!

bovine mind · #12 02-02-2010, 05:04 PM

I can't think of a single pedal [ or combination of ] that could approximate the irresistibly catchy lead synth on Van Halen's "Jump". Somebody please enlighten me if it's possible....

bassman1185 · #13 02-02-2010, 07:14 PM

If you're willing to shell out for a Super Synth, it's not a huge stretch to just go all the way and just buy a small keyboard synth like a MicroKorg. You'll be able to come a lot closer to actually copying the tone, plus it will be more versitile in the long run.

mccartneyman · #14 02-02-2010, 07:20 PM

The Alesis Micron poly synth costs $399 and has a "Jump" sound preprogrammed. It's not hard to play even for someone who isn't a keyboardist ... someone like me, for example. If you can play four-note chords (or even three notes) with your right hand you can play a lot of the pad stuff you hear these days and add your left for bottom.