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Defining notes

It seems to me the bassier the note..the less definition to punch through the mix.I find a jazz bass with mostly the bridge pickup on, not a ******** of bass and a few highs through a high powered amp mostly flat and 10 inch speakers does it for me.

P bass with flats through a [DEL]SS[/DEL] amp and 12 inch speakers does it for me.

Really, I don't hate tube amps. I have played great gigs through tube amps. It is probably just me, but every time I try out amps I end up with a SS amp. That doesn't mean tube amps aren't the bees knees.
 
The pickups/electronics in the bass seem to make more difference for me than anything else. My amps do have different characteristics for sure but the difference between my SR405 and my SR1400 is night and day. The SR1400 has loads more clarity and punch than the 405 and they are essentially the same instrument bar the pickups and preamp.

I've been trying to get good Godsmack tone as well, for Cryin Like a Bitch and Bad Religion and it's been a real pain for me. I'm still searching and trying different things all the time, I'll find it eventually. The worst part is I know there are a hundred guys on TB that could dial in that tone with my rig in 30 seconds.

I do feel my speakers are probably my weak link though. GK neo 410 is supposed to be a good cab but it just feels to me like it's straining with those drop tuned palm mutes. Maybe two would be the ticket but the advice on looking into the cab/speakers is important. It's just expensive with no friends who own bass gear. I thought I was getting off easy playing bass instead of guitar.......
 
I find that a good overdrive pedal like a pork loin goes a long way towards defining the notes in a band setting. It generates a lot of harmonics that help the note stand out in the mix. It is amazing how a distorted tone might sound like crap when played alone, but it will slot into the mix perfectly. You will have to tweak the pedal settings while you are practicing with the band until you get it right.