Keyboard Bass Techniques

[Dogbertday]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this but it definitely applies to us bass players today.

I really want to get into playing keyboard bass. I have an M-audio keystudio-48 but i have no idea what software to use to get started. I know a lot of it is manipulating sounds to get the bass tone you want. And I'm assuming just getting used to playing bass lines on keys is the next step, maybe working through some Jamerson stuff.

My problem is that i really don't know where to get started, though. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Cabazon]

Do you already have experience with piano/keyboard?

If you don't, I would recommend checking out some of Bach's pieces for beginners. He is really good with the bass line harmony, and it's surprisingly modern often. It'll help you get a feel for getting your hands around to the notes you want to play, probably a little better than jumping straight into more complex bass-lines.

If you're not new to keyboard, just disregard this.

 

[Dogbertday]

Yeah I've played enough keyboard to figure out basslines to play. I'd be interested in any keysBass specific exercises, but I have a keys foundation to go on for now.

My main question is involving hardware/software requirements as well as tips for developing tones in whatever program (DAW) is suggested.

 

[Swampman Cory]

I don't have much advice, but I can say that Mainstage has some cool bass tones.

 

[wobble man]

The question of software really depends on what sound you are going for and the style of music you play. If you are going for more of a "synth bass" sound, as opposed to a sound which mimics acoustic instruments, you could look into Arturia's Mini V, which is a soft synth version of the MiniMoog. It is a VST plug in, so should work with most DAWs.

I honestly have never used it, when i did keybass I used hardware, specifically a Moog Little Phatty. But I've heard good things about this software, and it only costs $99 on Amazon right now.

 

[Dogbertday]

I'll look into both software suggestions thank you guys! Does anyone know anything about if VST plug-ins can be manipulated? And if you just use the DAW live and play it, or if you can edit the sound and save it? I'm pretty sure you can save the new instrument.

 

[Dogbertday]

Ok I got my keyboard working with Studio One Artist. I'll be getting a laptop or a keyboard that will work using my iPod as the processor once I get some sounds and lines together and am ready to gig with the idea.

What I need now is sound suggestions. Anyone know of any good/cheap/workable sound pack to get my feet wet?

 

[john_g]

Are you on mac or pc? On my mac I can use Mainstage ($20) or Garageband (which came free on my laptop), and I have Ableton Live as well.