Clean Bass Tone

[Bassinthemudd]

There are loads of people who call the BBE Sonic Maximizer "snake oil" or some other pejorative. And, while some of their marketing may make grandiose claims, I really like what it does to the sound of my bass.

The Sonic Stomp is the simplest and cheapest way to go. Be sure to put it at the end of the chain in your FX Loop.

But, don't listen to me, or anyone else. Check it out and decide for yourself.

* Edit: I have no experience with the latest models. There is one fs here in the classifieds (no affiliation) that is the same model I have.
For Sale/Trade - Pedals For Sale or Trade

 

[Nuage420]

Goto 4:00 in Nate Navarro's video he shows you how it brightens up dead strings

And 2:00 In Amos Heller's video

 

[HelpImaRock]

I also use a compressor but the TC spectra with the Nathan east toneprint. It really bring the presence forward and just evens out strings volume.

They're both multiband compressors, so this makes sense.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I recommend a multi-band overdrive/distortion pedal. This will allow you to put distortion on the higher frequencies while leaving the mids and lows clean. This may seem to violate your request for "clean bass tone", but distortion is essentially harmonics, which is what gives brand new roundwounds their zing. As a string goes dead it loses those upper harmonics, which puts more emphasis on the fundamental tone. Adding distortion to upper frequencies specifically is a lot different than distorting your entire signal, and does simulate the restoration of natural string harmonics... this is especially true in the full band mix.

I'm not saying high band distortion is exactly the same as new strings, but when I use one it can make my strings sound fresh even when they are dead. It's why multi-band distortion is my favorite (and typically only) effect... and it's also why I often go too long between string changes!


Here are the multi-band ODs I own and recommend:

• Darkglass - X series (I have the X7)
• Tech 21 - DP3X, a.k.a. dUg Pinnick pedal
• Brimstone Audio - XD2

Here are a few others I'm aware of but have not tried:

• Brimstone Audio - Basilisk
  
• Orange - Bass Butler
• Wounded Paw - Black Sheep

There's a bit of a learning curve to multi-band overdrive, but when I get the settings right I can get a zingy roundwound tone that does not sound obviously distorted. Obviously it can be used in conjunction with amp EQ. Oh... if your bass has a passive tone control, that can also be effective in dialing back excess zing (if desired).

Multiband compression is also worth consideration. You can compress the top end and boost the level so zing is there but never too peaky.

 

[MJ_Sotti]

Get a AG700 and a sealed cabinet with 10s.

 

[tb-player]

Hi,
I am looking to achieve a bass tone that is clean, clear and crisp. I own two four string Fender American Jazz basses... One has DiMarzio DP123 pups and the other has Custom pups. Is there a outboard preamp, pedal, effect or pickups that will help me achieve this tone? I like the new string tone, but obviously that will degrade over time... Other than installing new strings all the time, do you have any suggestions?

Get a Q-Strip.

 

[Bob_Ross]

…All this talk about denatured alcohol does not make me thirsty but reminds of that great concoction by Alice Cooper “Cold Ethyl”

Whoa, I haven't thought about that tune since like 1975! It was either Tony Levin or Prakash John on bass iirc.
[edit: Wikipedia says it was Prakash John]

 

[Outbush]

I am not sure what crisp and clear means but to me "digging in" isn't crisp and clear - it is a sound I love but not crisp and clear. Playing very lightly using just the tip(s) of the finger(s) or lighter short strikes with a pick with a slightly higher set-up pickup(s) can give a very crisp sounding attack. Cut the back of the note of by removing the fretting finger as close as possible to the start of the next note for a nice crisp finish.

If you want to use both heavy and light techniques leave the pickups where they are and as others have said use your gain a bit to set your volumes. (I find that high gain/lower volume can thicken a note depending on the individual amp so play with the settings a lot - including tone.)

Good thread too, lots of great ideas folks.

 

[BurtMacklinFBI]

Try one of these, set it to dark and then bump it up to mid (not actually midrangey, it's a middling amount of brightness) or bright depending on taste. It's awesome. I keep mine set to dark, but I play with a pick and use other pedals for drive so I'm getting my top end sparkle (and crunch, and car crusher sounds) elsewhere too. The brighter settings might be more your jam, I think.

 

[jpTron]

I always say the Tronographic Rusty Box is like taking a blanket off of your tone so that'd be my recommendation. It's been my main pre for the last 5 years and I have no intention of changing.