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Effects for Lead Bass?

B

BassClef 2010

Oct 31, 2009
184
3
#1
I recently joined a bass duo where I am required to play fretless leads while the other bassist holds down the low end.
What are some effects that I can employ to get a better lead tone? I was thinking delay and chorus or something along that line....
Thanks,
BassClef
 
#2
It all depends on what you're going for. Are you going to be doing Manring-style solos, Wooten-style, Burton-style, Pino-style?

If chorus and delay is your first instinct, then I'm guessing you'll be going for the ambient sound. Reverb also tends to sound nice for ambient fretless. Almost any kind of other modulation would probably work pretty nicely as well.
 
#5
In my experiences a chorus alone can definitely beef up some lead lines. Combine that with a phaser and all of a sudden your tone will be pure liquid goodness. Add a little delay and it`s mm mm good!
 
#10
If you don't mind me making such a crazy suggestion, why don't you put some piccolo bass strings on your bass? It'll still play like a bass, it'll just be up an octave. It would probably work easier as a lead instrument.

That's not to say you shouldn't look for some effects either. I think it depends on your style of music, but some dirt is always good. Or lots of dirt.
 
#14
wdinc01 said:
If you don't mind me making such a crazy suggestion, why don't you put some piccolo bass strings on your bass? It'll still play like a bass, it'll just be up an octave. It would probably work easier as a lead instrument.

That's not to say you shouldn't look for some effects either. I think it depends on your style of music, but some dirt is always good. Or lots of dirt.
Click to expand...

Sounds interesting, how would piccolo string work on a fretless? Also, dirt is not my cup o tea. I prefer clean tone.
 
#17
BassClef 2010 said:
Sounds interesting, how would piccolo string work on a fretless? Also, dirt is not my cup o tea. I prefer clean tone.
Click to expand...

I imagine it would work the same as a fretted bass. I'm not really sure how to address that question. But, here's a video to give you an idea of what I talk about (and I mean this in the loosest definition possible)



Jeff Schmidt actually posts on TalkBass, although I haven't seen him recently (I don't know if he comes into Effects often). But hopefully this gives you some idea as to the possibilities of piccolo strings.

As for effects, since you don't like dirt, then I would suggest more modulation effects. That video has some flanger about two and a half minutes in. So a flanger might be useful. I'm more of a fan of phasers myself, but I think they work best with a dirty tone.
 
#20
if you ever get a chance, dig up an defunct australian band called "Pre shrunk".
2 bassists and a drummer. Best execution i've seen



effects wise: delay, wah and a modulation of some form are essential.
after those 3, you can pretty much go nuts with everything else.

probably the biggest thing in my opinion, is to have basses, amps and eq-settings that complement eachother.
 

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