I favor the bridge pickup and roundwound strings and still get a mellow sound out of my Jazz bass by just plucking close to the neck. I thumb when it is slow tempo. However it could be an EQ thing and I have no experience with your amp.
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Fender jazz tone
- Thread starter Lauradylan
- Start date
What Bass players have the sound you’re after?
I hear "mellow" as flatwounds, or maybe tapes.
You need to at least try a set of traditional flatwounds, because that in itself might get you 90% of what you're after. Research the strings first, so you're not put off by string tension, and know what to expect.
You need to at least try a set of traditional flatwounds, because that in itself might get you 90% of what you're after. Research the strings first, so you're not put off by string tension, and know what to expect.
I love the tone that Laura Lee of Khruagbin gets from her cheapo SX jazz bass with DiMarzio pickups. She utilizes old flatwound strings and foam stuffed in the bridge.
Personally, always thought a jazz sounded the smoothest
^
This
Both pups on full and roll back the tone about 25%
I would keep the Ultra Low switch/button engaged, then roll your amp's "bass" EQ back to taste.
^
This
Both pups on full and roll back the tone about 25%
I would keep the Ultra Low switch/button engaged, then roll your amp's "bass" EQ back to taste.
@Lauradylan - Oh yeah…a belated welcome to TalkBass. Always good to see a new member. Welcome to our little corner of the web. You’re among friends here. 
Along with things already mentioned, the EQ on your amp can help reduce the aggressive vibe, if that is what you are after. Rolling off highs and high-mids, while slightly boosting low end, can smooth out tone. Same applies to the EQ on your actual bass.
Good luck
Good luck
Don’t buy anything yet. Best to learn how to get closer to what you seek with what you’ve got. Unless maybe you have really bright, new strings like stainless steel rounds. I personally hate new strings, they’re always too bright and zingy. Set the amp flat, all tone knobs @ noon, no boosts. Maybe turn the amp volume up and pluck more lightly. Turn the bass tone knob to 50% or less. Experiment with your attack with your plucking fingers. How hard you pluck, angle of your fingers to the strings. Pluck up near the neck if not even over the neck. What does “mellow” mean to you?
I have flats on a P Bass and I have the tone control on just enough to hear a difference from it being totally off. I prefer TI Jazz flats and La Bella Low Tension flats. Boost the bass a little on the amp, maybe. With a Jazz bass, I’d suggest the neck pickup on full and the bridge pickup backed off a little to avoid the mid scoop you get when both pickup are on full. Tone control about 25%, just use your ears, it’s not rocket science, good luck!
It sounds like the OP is shooting for an old school (almost Motown) tone. If you back off the neck pup, it will yield more mids. If he keeps it on full, that "scooped" tone will sound more mellow an less "mid-rangy".
Amp has a lot to do with it too.
OP should haunt some stores and find old EV and JBL 15" cabs, old tube heads, pre metal slap solid state heads.
Some of the preamp pedals with vintage voicings would work fine too. B15n's being worth their weight in gold and all that make sims a better proposition than finding the real thing.
OP should haunt some stores and find old EV and JBL 15" cabs, old tube heads, pre metal slap solid state heads.
Some of the preamp pedals with vintage voicings would work fine too. B15n's being worth their weight in gold and all that make sims a better proposition than finding the real thing.
Yes, there will be less mids with both pickups on full, but I prefer some mids, you’ll have a stronger tone and you can always reduce the mids on the amp if necessary, but it’s down to individual taste, anyway.
Also, if it’s a Motown sound, you’re going to be emulating a P Bass, so you want some mids, not a scooped tone, I might be wrong, but I’m not
As far as I can tell, I don't hear mids in the Motown sound... warm and chocolaty.Yes, there will be less mids with both pickups on full, but I prefer some mids, you’ll have a stronger tone and you can always reduce the mids on the amp if necessary, but it’s down to individual taste, anyway.
Also, if it’s a Motown sound, you’re going to be emulating a P Bass, so you want some mids, not a scooped tone, I might be wrong, but I’m not
I started playing a Jazz bass in 1979, and all in all, have been primarily playing that model for an aggregate of about 35 years.
With that background, I prefer the neck pup on full, the bridge pickup dialed back 25-75% depending upon the individual instrument, and the tone at about 25%.
Most of my Jazz basses are equipped with either TI Flats, or Ernie Ball extra slinky Cobalt Flats.
These variables usually provide me with the tight, yet round, and warm bottom which defines the tone for which I strive.
The amp and cab will affect the punch, and lower mids will help to cut through the mix with a bit of upper mids for sizzle. That's what works for me and my "sound."
With that background, I prefer the neck pup on full, the bridge pickup dialed back 25-75% depending upon the individual instrument, and the tone at about 25%.
Most of my Jazz basses are equipped with either TI Flats, or Ernie Ball extra slinky Cobalt Flats.
These variables usually provide me with the tight, yet round, and warm bottom which defines the tone for which I strive.
The amp and cab will affect the punch, and lower mids will help to cut through the mix with a bit of upper mids for sizzle. That's what works for me and my "sound."
Flats will get that tone, no need to use a scooped (both pickups on full tone), but whatever sounds right to you is most important. I don’t like the mids cut to much, especially live, as the bass needs some low mids for definition, imo.
You guys, this has all been infinitely helpful! Thank you so much for such thorough responses! I’ve got a lot of things to try our, who will no doubt help me dial in the tone I’m seeking!!
Thanks again! Am so excited that I found this resource
Thanks again! Am so excited that I found this resource
It is crazy you mentioned her, That’s pretty much the exact tone I’m looking for. To me, that is the perfect tone. It punches right through the mix, but it’s totally smooth!
