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Changing My Bass Sound?

A

avery1555

Dec 10, 2008
5
0
#1
Im in a band with a couple of my friends and I was wondering how I could effectively change my sound, besides changing picks or using my fingers.

Any pedals or anything im unaware of?

Right now, Im using standard tuning and a .70 MM non-metal pick.

Any suggestions to make my sound similiar to that say, thrash or heavy rock?

Thanks :)
 
#2
Oh wow... Picks, pickups, strings, hardware, amplifiers, effects pedals, electronics altogether, EQ... There's about 1,000 different things you could change. We need specifics. Do you want a very bright tone? Boomy? Middy? Thin? Chunky? ETC... Help us out and we'll help you!! :p
 
#4
bassist4dalord said:
Oh wow... Picks, pickups, strings, hardware, amplifiers, effects pedals, electronics altogether, EQ... There's about 1,000 different things you could change. We need specifics. Do you want a very bright tone? Boomy? Middy? Thin? Chunky? ETC... Help us out and we'll help you!! :p
Click to expand...

Is there any pedal or amp for a distortion-like sound? Not overdone though, the music we do is like System of a Down type-thing.

Thanks again!
 
#5
Munjibunga said:
What bass do you have? What amp? What don't you like about your current sound? For thrash or heavy rock you may want some kind of distortion pedal. Once we know what you're working with, I'm sure some of the metal-heads here will be able to help you out.
Click to expand...

Its a Peavy Zodiac 4-String Bass. Peavy Amp as well.

Very similar to this one...
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#6
I would look for a good Overdrive (not distortion and there is a BIG differenence) pedal. Try searching the Effects forum, there is tons of good advice. The Sansamp Bass Driver DI and Fulltone Bassdrive are pretty popular choice, but there are a bunch to choose from.

If you would like the overdrive to be on your amp, there are a few choices as well. The GK Backline 600 has a pretty cool OD/Dist sound onboard and its pretty affordable. For a more expensive option, you could try the Aguilar AG500, which has the best on-board overdrive I've heard on an amplifier.
 
#7
I have ben playing bass a long time now and bought my first bass pedal last week, It was made by Alesis and has 3 different cabinet configurations or stylings and different head and effect sounds,I got mine at dealer cost(helps to do live cable shows at a music store) but they are available for around 75 bucks and I am still learning how to use mine as I bought it more for recording direct into board,first time I used it I was not as happy as the second time I used it but with patience I think it will work fine
 
#8
All thats' good stuff you've read above, no doubt. I can take all that stuff, set it up
just exactly like your favorite hero would & flunk the audition. I'm classically trained.
But, I play what I feel & do OK with plenty of oportunities for live gigs every week.
My point is, work with the rhythm guitarist for developing your part in the bands' songs.
Then you'll know what you want tweaked in your sound to match the band.

The majority of sounds, in fact are in the fingers. Effects just color what you play.
 

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