Enhancing slap tone

[Andy Walhor]

Any opinions of the AMT Electronics Slap Bass?

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[mcnach]

Hi effects guys,

I need your advice, as I'm almost completely ignorant when it comes down to effects. I own a Tech 21 VT-Bass, and that's about it.

My problem is, I plan on stringing my bass with flats, but a few parts of our songs require slapping. I want to know if there is a good pedal out there to enhance my attack for those few parts where slapping is ABSOULETELY NEEDED.

I currently run through : Ibanez SR500 with active Barts (stock) -> tuner -> VT-Bass -> "Ampeg SVT3-Pro" (effects lovers will kill me lol)...

So, do you have a suggestion? I don't really have a maximum budget for now, just want to know if it exists and which one is "the best" (very subjective).

Thanks for your advice!

I have an old SR400 (irrelevant, but hey) with flatwounds. I use the Rotosound SM77 strings. They have the "flatwoundness" in the sound, but are not bad slapped with the right EQ. Not like roundwounds, but they do the job. So, I'd use SM77 strings and an EQ pedal to kick in as needed.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I didn't order Chromes because I think gauges are too small

Too small? Yikes! lol

The Chromes I have on my P-bass V (.45 .65 .80 .100 .132) are almost identical gauges to the D'Addario EXLs (.45 .65 .80 .100 .130) I normally use and they feel WAY thicker.

Are you playing tree trunks over there?

5sg.

 

[groooooove]

id definately reccomend using rounds, with EQ to emulate flats, rather than flats with EQ to emulate rounds..

or you could just go a whole nother route and use an envelope filter to mask your lack of high end sizzle.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Well, I tried and nothing really stood out with flats. An EQ pedal did the best job, but I just used it to get a scooped sound. I suspect that something like the LMB-3 would get you the most bang for the buck.

 

[GizmoTheOne]

Too small? Yikes! lol

The Chromes I have on my P-bass V (.45 .65 .80 .100 .132) are almost identical gauges to the D'Addario EXLs (.45 .65 .80 .100 .130) I normally use and they feel WAY thicker.

Are you playing tree trunks over there?

5sg.

Yeah, the 45-65-80 can be good for me, but I play in non-standard tuning.

My E string is dropped to C#, so .100 would break my bass' neck (well, maybe not to this point, but...)

That's why I think Chromes are too small.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Getting a good slap tone from flats can be done but it is a huge pain in the butt.
Unless you use very bright flats that is, which kinda kills the purpose of using flats in the first place.
As said already it is much easier to emulate the tone of flats with rounds than the opposite.
If you still go for it I suggest an enhancer. Korg's dynamic exciter wroks wonders for this kind of stuff but it can only be found in multi effects.
The Boss LMB-3 may work sometimes, with proper EQing.

 

[LaBassGuy]

Hi effects guys,

I need your advice, as I'm almost completely ignorant when it comes down to effects. I own a Tech 21 VT-Bass, and that's about it.

My problem is, I plan on stringing my bass with flats, but a few parts of our songs require slapping. I want to know if there is a good pedal out there to enhance my attack for those few parts where slapping is ABSOULETELY NEEDED.

I currently run through : Ibanez SR500 with active Barts (stock) -> tuner -> VT-Bass -> "Ampeg SVT3-Pro" (effects lovers will kill me lol)...

So, do you have a suggestion? I don't really have a maximum budget for now, just want to know if it exists and which one is "the best" (very subjective).

Thanks for your advice!

I am not sure what type of slap tone you are looking for, but here's how you can get a good one.

Take the VT bass out of the chain. On the Ampeg, you want to increase your gain until it stars clipping. I even tolerate a little bit of clipping. Then, cut some mids around 800-1000hz. You don't have to boost anything except for the drive. On your bass, don't pan away from the neck pickup; just put it in the middle.

This should get you a pretty good tone. If you wanted a tighter, compressed sound, the Aphex Xciter is pretty good.