Pedal to emulate STANDUP acoustic ?

jlsbass · #1 11-03-2009, 03:48 PM

Hi all,

I have a Fender p-bass .

...and was wondering if any stomp-box makers have come up with a pedal that can make an electric p-bass sound close to the tone of an acoustic Standup bass ?

thanks , jls.

totalimmortal08 · #2 11-03-2009, 04:10 PM

Not to sound rude, but learn to play standup bass

One Bad Monkey · #3 11-03-2009, 04:13 PM

You really don't need a pedal at all. Use your palm to mute the strings by the bridge, and play with your thumb. EQ it to sound a bit more thumpy, and that's probably about the best you're going to be able to do.

fightthepower · #4 11-03-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totalimmortal08

Not to sound rude, but learn to play standup bass

It is rude to come into an effects forum with these comments. Not helpful at all.

One Bad Monkey gave good advice- I've also heard a touch of reverb being used to great effect for this application. No amount of effects will likely fool a double-bass player or avid listener, but there are a few simple things you can do to capture some of that vibe and tone, which may or may not be adequate for the usage you had in mind. Id start with EQ and technique adjustments.. maybe some reverb if you have one available to you. (just a touch, need to maintain a strong fundamental)

LowBSix · #5 11-03-2009, 04:21 PM

On a P bass, turn the tone knob to about half way and pluck around the 10th fret... Yes, the 10th fret... I've done this for years. It sounds amazing on a fretless and will work well on your P... I use this technique when needed on whatever I'm playing at the time... A P bass performs well...

Comanche5 · #6 11-03-2009, 04:24 PM

What a great response.

First off, who wants to drag around a standup bass. And secondly, they make pedals for electric guitars to emulate acoustic guitars. I don't know if there is such a pedal, but maybe one day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by totalimmortal08

Not to sound rude, but learn to play standup bass

chuck3 · #7 11-03-2009, 04:25 PM

I play upright bass too, so I don't usually worry about this, but Saturday night I have to play at a joint where the band area is so small I can't fit an upright along with an electric. So I am taking my '51 P reissue with a Bartolino pickup and Chrome Flats. Like someone said above, play more towards the neck than the bridge. The band was commenting at practice last weekend how much it sounds like an upright. No effect needed.

jlsbass · #8 11-03-2009, 04:32 PM

I'm new to bass somewhat ... mainly a 6 string flattop picker ...

I am quite frankly shocked that Fishman or some other inventive types ... haven't come up with a modelling pedal like this !!

With all the acoustic and amp modellers out there ... who'd a thunk it ?

If muting and left hand positioning (with flats) gets you 50% of the way there ... how hard could it be to design a pedal to emulate standup ??

I actually would like this for recording initially.

jls.

Smurf-o-Deth · #9 11-03-2009, 04:34 PM

You can also shove foam mutes under the strings to deaden the sustain if you want to pluck up the neck.

If you want the closest you can possibly get with an electric, look at something like a Rob Allen Mouse. Piezo pickups (with tapewound strings) apparently do a better job at capturing the sound of an upright than magnetic pickups.

There is also the softsynth approach, which is another avenue to look at.

newbold · #10 11-03-2009, 05:02 PM

Godin makes a bass that comes close to an Allen for a fraction of the price.

Ned Steinberger (?) makes a fantastic electric upright (the Wave) for under a grand.

Smallequestrian · #11 11-03-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comanche5

What a great response.

First off, who wants to drag around a standup bass. And secondly, they make pedals for electric guitars to emulate acoustic guitars. I don't know if there is such a pedal, but maybe one day.

Well in his defense, those pedals do suck.

icarussmicarus · #12 11-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smallequestrian

Well in his defense, those pedals do suck.

+1million

FreaqyFrequency · #13 11-03-2009, 06:01 PM

I have to agree with the majority. Technique trumps the pedals here, if we're talking achieving a convincing emulation. In fact, a lot of achieving that "classic upright sound" has more to do with technique than the instrument itself (though don't get me wrong, it certainly contributes a major element), so work on your right hand touch and fretting style. You should be able to get there with enough practice.

That said, when it comes to utilities, turning treble down will help, and perhaps a bit of boost in the low mids. Experiment!

Gashaponcito · #14 11-03-2009, 08:38 PM

use flats my friend

totalimmortal08 · #15 11-03-2009, 09:25 PM

I didn't mean for it to be rude. I just don't think a pedal could ever sub for the real thing. Plus, they are really fun to play and it always turns heads. It's also like you guys have never said anything to offend someone on this forum.

Sorry if I ticked anyone off.

duke2004 · #16 11-03-2009, 09:57 PM

Dave modified my Squire Fretless, with good flats on it gives a very close fascimile for short money. You could also have him build you a bass with the proper resonant wood for under a grand. this is quite a steal for a hand made unique instrument.

http://www.electrocoustic.com/magpi.htm

dmusic148 · #17 11-03-2009, 10:04 PM

Wassa matter, OP? Didn't like the answer over in DB? It was the truth, you know.
Flats.
Palm muting.
Foam at bridge.
Reverb/Delay.
Hollowbody.
Fretless.
=

Fail.

simonsaysred · #18 11-03-2009, 10:12 PM

+1 on the palm muting and thumb technique and flats and bass mids.

If you have to play really fast, I find it easier to use my first and second fingers "glued together," playing over the frets. It's a little easier to play fast. I'm working on a song right now for a musical that alternates between pop rock, slap, and jazz, so I'm actually using 3 RH techniques in one song! This technique works well for situations like this.

Speaking of fun, buy a cheapo piece-of-junk upright and start playing. You can get them on craigslist for $500. That's what I did, and now I'm saving up for something better. You won't regret it.

fightthepower · #19 11-04-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Wassa matter, OP? Didn't like the answer over in DB?

The bigger issue here appears to be you not liking the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonsaysred

Speaking of fun, buy a cheapo piece-of-junk upright and start playing. You can get them on craigslist for $500. That's what I did, and now I'm saving up for something better. You won't regret it.

That does sound like a great idea, I'll have to keep my eye out for a good deal on someones failed DB dreams