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Getting more 'attack' from a P-Bass
- Thread starter commonplayer
- Start date
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- Tags
- attack precision bass
++1 Fingers
I play a cheap squire but it wears old heavy dead flats. With the tone wide open I can get a direct recorded tone which is thick but sizzly with tons of middle cut. My fingers are thick and stubby and I kinda drag just the tips across the strings.
I honestly think that because of the amount of stuff we can buy technique kinda gets overlooked.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
make him get you some new bright strings. Don't you buy new strings. You like the tone of your strings, so make him do it! lol.
I believe the P (and all basses with pickups that sport offset pole pieces) to have a natural, lazy attack envelope. Part of the growl and purr phenomena (not that a P bass can't thump and punch the footlights out) Try a P with a blade style pickup and see if you agree:
Ever so slightly faster attack.
Oh, and any recordist/mixer who can't get a Fender Precision to sit well in a mix must have something wrong with their ears. IMHO
Ever so slightly faster attack.
Oh, and any recordist/mixer who can't get a Fender Precision to sit well in a mix must have something wrong with their ears. IMHO
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I love the way Mars Cowling attacked a precision. He dug in really deep fingerstyle. 
But that still doesn't guarantee that your producer/engineer would like your sound if you played similarly.
But that still doesn't guarantee that your producer/engineer would like your sound if you played similarly.
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I have a tube in my preamp (ampeg svt 7 pro) and i crank the gain and control volume with the master, open up the tone, get some nice grind. I do attack the strings pretty hard when i play in my metal band too, that probably helps.
get more attack from a p-bass ...
Try one of these ...
I have to say, I really dislike these picks. That chalky substance they come with is just awful. I have always liked a classic 'teardrop' Dunlop Tortex 2mm in purple which has a smooth finish and feel though.
OP, the main problem here appears to be a problem with the communication between you and the producer. It seems as though we're sitting down to throw our hats in on the problem when you're not really able to articulate it, which would not be the case if you could tell us exactly what the problem was. That could only have come from the producer not telling you exactly what he meant, or what he wanted.
It's always worth checking for clarification. If he doesn't like your soft touch on the strings then dreaming about roundwounds will only address that so much. If he doesn't like your pressurewound sound, then playing harder will not be a panacea. It may be that when he asks for 'attack', he really wants attack, aggression or articulation. Or perhaps something else!
Personally, I'd start with ditching the pressurewound strings and moving to nickels. You'll not sizzle like you with with stainless steel strings but you'll be much better placed to 'attack'.
was your volume dimed? I remember first time trying to record and backing off my volume as I was concerned about any string clank or gank before realizing that most of it either adds character or is not noticeable in a rock mix - listening to solo'd bass tracks from pro players helped me get over this and give the board as much signal as I could by opening tone and volume wide...
I find heavier strings seem punchier/have more attack...
P-sound is easy to get with a P- bass! (new rounds will help a lot!!!)
you don't get the sound?
fire that producer!
still no P- sound?
fire the bassplayer!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
you don't get the sound?
fire that producer!
still no P- sound?
fire the bassplayer!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
I have put in a lot of time in the studio. By reading your post I get the feeling your a good player with good technique. So if this is the case there are only 2 directions you can take this.
1st, It's an issue with strings. Get some DR's. High Beams or the Low Riders. And if that don't fix it.......
2nd, New pickups. and as said above, throw a Geezer in there. That is a cheep way to get an excellent pro level pickup, and it comes with it own electronic package. This will eliminate any possibility that there is an electronic issue. You can easily install them yourself. These 2 things should eliminate any possibility that it is your bass. And you will have a badass sounding P when your done.
Over 100 replies from a very smart audience and we still haven't figured out what the producer was trying to express.
Were I the OP I'd consider talking with the producer on the topic. However, were I the OP I'd first consider if this producer was a waste of further time.
Were I the OP I'd consider talking with the producer on the topic. However, were I the OP I'd first consider if this producer was a waste of further time.
I have never been with a band that would want recordings released on a public forum before the end product was ready to be promoted. I don't think that is overly protective at all it's common practice.
YEP! ^THIS^, I have the Geezer PJ set and it's the Best sounding Bass that I own hands down! Get a set!
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
When specified it is a rough mix, perhaps just a one minute excerpt.
But yes I agree, I've been in many bands of differing attitude types, I should have elaborated more on that post but I was tired and snarky and on an anti McDemo roll. Now I'm too tired to be snarky. Was dealing with a stubborn Thunderbird and had to open up 2 but slots with a worn out nail file from a cheap nail clipper. All I had, my old swiss army knife would have been better, but that got stolen. Wish I had needle files at that point.
