Achieving this (fairly common) tone

[mjpbass]

Ok guys, I might be overthinking this but I've been trying to hit this tone recently for a new project I've got going on.

Coincidently I've been checking out the new Queens Of The Stone Age stuff, and their new guy has this tone.

Even more coincidently, he uses pretty damn similar gear. P-basses, Ampegs, (pretty sure) flat wound strings, and a pick.

Anyway to sum it up, is this tone achieved by cutting highs on the amp or rolling the tone knob off?
As I play with a pick, I can't help but get a rather aggressive tone with my tone knob set full, despite using flats.

Heres one of their new tracks as an example.

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Cheers fellas

 

[Duckwater]

LOTS of compression, and it sounds like tone knob is rolled most of the way. Their recent bassist has a nice tone, but his playing is so bland to me, no dynamics at all.

 

[mjpbass]

most of the way off you think?

 

[Duckwater]

Yes, I don't hear anything above 1k or so, and it was the same when I saw them live a few years ago.

 

[mjpbass]

Thankyou.

They're live on Jules Holland (uk) right now and he's actually playing a Jazz but same scenario I'd assume.

Would you say kill some highs on the eq aswell?

 

[Duckwater]

I don't think it would really help, if your tone control is working correctly as a low pass filter. If you are still getting a lot of highs with your tone rolled off, then go for it.

 

[mjpbass]

Thanks again.

I know what you mean about his playing, doesn't add the same dynamic as Nick did. However, I'm liking some of his lines on the 5 new leaked tracks. Gonna be a sick album.

 

[Duckwater]

True that, I can't wait to get it on vinyl.

Good luck with your tone quest!

 

[mjpbass]

Oh yes, deluxe double vinyl baby!

Cheers!