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Get that punchy tone

jlt5x

jlt5x

May 8, 2007
548
154
chicagoland
#1
I am looking to get a certain tone - something that is punchy? Or maybe the presence is just boosted? hard to put into words....

The bass sound in "Say It Aint So" - that kind of hear everything sound.

Could just be a compressor, but there seems to be some debate as to whether a compressor can give you a punchy tone, or just even out your sound.

Does this make sense to anyone?
 
#3
I get tons of punch. Music Man bass + ThunderFunk head + Schroeder cabinet.

None of my effects help in that regard, but fiddling with your EQ and playing style might.
 
#5
That's a hard one to focus in on. Some compressors, used correctly, can add punch for sure. But may be a better idea to try a different bass, as different pickups, wood, preamps, and even strings can contribute/detract hugely for punch. Also it's worth trying one of the Aphex or BBE exciter/maximizers, as some people dig those for giving their sound just that extra edge or oomph.
 
#7
If you want more punch I'd definitely go with a nice compressor like the demeter compulator or the EBS multicomp. You can also boost your EQ a bit at 1k for some extra punch.

You might be accidentally dialing out your punchiness with the EQ on your head too, how do you set your EQ?
 
#8
threadstarter- by say it aint so, do you mean the weezer song? i believe it was recorded with a p bass and an ampeg stack.. it has quite a bit of mids boosted i believe and he plays with a pick, not too much treble but enough to get that clear sound.

i actually can get quite a cool accurate sound with my rickenbacker and amy ampeg svt3pro rig without a compressor, this gives me a tone closer to only in dreams but it works well for say it aint so as its quite a similar sound justa bit clearer on only in dreams as its more in the mix
 
#9
If you don't want to spend $200 on a EBS or Demeter, take a look at the Aphex Punch Factory for $100. It's an optical compressor that for a pedal and the price is of pretty high quality. I think for the money the Punch Factory is really hard to beat. In fact, I can't think of any compressor that's in it's league for that price. It's very tranparent, good sustain and it really does give a nice clean boost. I run one almost 100% of the time.
 
#12
nickbear said:
threadstarter- by say it aint so, do you mean the weezer song? i believe it was recorded with a p bass and an ampeg stack.. it has quite a bit of mids boosted i believe and he plays with a pick, not too much treble but enough to get that clear sound.
Click to expand...

It was a Jazz Bass with an Ampeg B-15. Of course that's before an compression or eq in the mixing and mastering
 
#13
nickbear said:
threadstarter- by say it aint so, do you mean the weezer song? i believe it was recorded with a p bass and an ampeg stack.. it has quite a bit of mids boosted i believe and he plays with a pick, not too much treble but enough to get that clear sound.
Click to expand...
To the best of my knowledge, Say It Ain't So and the rest of the blue album was recorded with a Warmoth/Fender Jazz Bass and an Ampeg B15. I've also heard that no pedals were used anywhere on that record.
The Orange Matamp in the pic in the album cover was blowing fuses so the B15 was rented.


My favourite album ever by the way!
 
#15
jlt5x said:
I am looking to get a certain tone - something that is punchy? Or maybe the presence is just boosted? hard to put into words....

The bass sound in "Say It Aint So" - that kind of hear everything sound.

Could just be a compressor, but there seems to be some debate as to whether a compressor can give you a punchy tone, or just even out your sound.

Does this make sense to anyone?
Click to expand...

Lots of TBers say that tone starts with your hands, a sentiment with which I agree wholeheartedly. One of the lessons I've learned is to pluck more softly with my right hand, which requires me to turn up the volume in order to be heard clearly. One of the reasons this approach works is because of the increase in headroom that results. Another result is clearer and fuller tone.

Good luck in your quest!
 
#16
Timi said:
To the best of my knowledge, Say It Ain't So and the rest of the blue album was recorded with a Warmoth/Fender Jazz Bass and an Ampeg B15. I've also heard that no pedals were used anywhere on that record.
The Orange Matamp in the pic in the album cover was blowing fuses so the B15 was rented.


My favourite album ever by the way!
Click to expand...

I saw the Rentals last month and Matt/Rachel were using the old black Weezer Jazz Bass and Orange head.
 
#20
Definately try a good compressor (I'm a big fan of my Trace Elliot SMX dual band) and also try boosting your low-mids a hair or two. Low mids enhanced on certain amp/bass combinations can provide a machine-gun type punch that can really liven up your feel and sound.
 

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