Cake- "The Distance" bass sound?

[Ant Illington]

First of all, I can't even tell if that is real bass or not. I'm inclined to think not but what do I know....

Before I start messing with my pedals for an hour (octave, fuzz and envelope- all mxr) which I think can get close enough to this sound for fun, is this sound from any other obvious effect that I don't have? Thanks.

 

[karla684]

First of all, I can't even tell if that is real bass or not. I'm inclined to think not but what do I know....

Before I start messing with my pedals for an hour (octave, fuzz and envelope- all mxr) which I think can get close enough to this sound for fun, is this sound from any other obvious effect that I don't have? Thanks.

I'm quite sure it's a real bass. Mild overdrive (or very mild fuzz in your case). Turn down your tone control on your bass. Heavy compression would help as well.

Brilliant band, song, and bass playing!

Cheers,
Kalle

 

[Ant Illington]

I'm quite sure it's a real bass. Mild overdrive (or very mild fuzz in your case). Turn down your tone control on your bass. Heavy compression would help as well.

Brilliant band, song, and bass playing!

Cheers,
Kalle

Yes, even their unknown songs are largely good! I've been meaning to learn some for years. Because funky in a non-funk way.

 

[DDXdesign]

Oh yeah, bassy tone will get you most of the way there, but the specific bounce of a semi-hollow would make it even better. I love playing that song!

 

[Coughdrops]

I'm quite sure it's a real bass. Mild overdrive (or very mild fuzz in your case). Turn down your tone control on your bass. Heavy compression would help as well.

Brilliant band, song, and bass playing!

Cheers,
Kalle

Yeah, overdrive, compression, and rolled back treble on a p bass. Forget his name but he's a great bass player with great feel and tone. I went through a phase years back and learned all his basslines. Love Cake.

 

[lz4005]

First of all, I can't even tell if that is real bass or not. I'm inclined to think not but what do I know....
Before I start messing with my pedals for an hour (octave, fuzz and envelope- all mxr) which I think can get close enough to this sound for fun, is this sound from any other obvious effect that I don't have? Thanks.

He's pretty well known for playing a Telecaster bass. Long scale solid body with a mudbucker at the neck. Plucking right over the pickup.

That's pretty much the foundation of the tone you want. Plus tube overdrive. No octaves, no fuzz, no envelope.

I'm sure there's compression and maybe a noise gate on it as well. If you listen closely it cuts off very abruptly sometimes.

 

[DDXdesign]

He's pretty well known for playing a Telecaster bass. Long scale solid body with a mudbucker at the neck. Plucking right over the pickup.

That's pretty much the foundation of the tone you want. Plus tube overdrive. No octaves, no fuzz, no envelope.

I'm sure there's compression and maybe a noise gate on it as well. If you listen closely it cuts off very abruptly sometimes.

I'll say that I am very surprised he's not rocking a semihollow. Every time I pick one up all I want to do is rock out Cake tunes.

 

[lz4005]

I'll say that I am very surprised he's not rocking a semihollow. Every time I pick one up all I want to do is rock out Cake tunes.

Probably important to note that there have been two different bass players in the band.

The one who recorded the first two albums (including The Distance) favored a Tele bass, the current one plays normal P basses and sometimes a Musicmaster.

 

[Coughdrops]

Forgot about the bass player change. They're both great. Man I miss my Tele bass....