I play a 5 string bass, its an esp ltd F-155DX. Ive been working with my eq to cut through the mix. We play metal and im using the mids to help cut through. I can get a good tone with my EADG strings, but my low B just doesnt cut it. Are there any specific frequencies to boost that will help the low B? Im starting to wonder if its my bass, i got it for 400 so i dont expect it to sound amazing. My guess is that with a higher quality bass the B would sound better. What do you guys think?
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Getting my low B to sound out
- Thread starter matrixmetroid
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Try a new set of strings. I've had this problem before, having a dead string. Happens even with a new set. Try replacing the B and see if that does the trick. Good luck
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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The frequency range for the B string, at E fret and below, is about 30-40 Hz. However, few cabinets, either bass or sound system subwoofers, have appreciable output below about ~40 Hz. In addition, its not unusual for the bass itself be unable to generate the actual fundamentals of the lowest notes. This means what youre hearing from the lowest notes are often primarily harmonics. Still, some EQ boost at 40 Hz or below can help, but it really should be from a parametric EQ. Otherwise youll also get frequencies above 40 Hz boosted as well, which will make notes in that range overpowering.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45
What are you using for an amp and/or cabinets.
it takes tons more energy to make low frequency power than high end.
it takes tons more energy to make low frequency power than high end.
I honestly think its my bass. If i had EMG 40DCs it would probably sound a little better, and basswood just sucks in general. I havent tried playing in my other amp. I was playing in my GK 700 RB II that i bought used, but yesterday i came to the conclusion that its solid state garbage. When i have a chance ill try it in my marshall mb 150. I just wish i had the cash to get spector Euro 5LX, but thats a $2000 bass.
GK is a great quality amp.Might not be the tone for you. Not garbage at all.Nothing wrong with basswood. Music Man Bongos are made from basswood. Sounds like you need new strings,lessons in eq,or a new bass. Or all of the above.
Metrix..
Who's sound do you like? May be better to discuss this vs more gear.
It could be something as simple as setup and touch.
Who's sound do you like? May be better to discuss this vs more gear.
It could be something as simple as setup and touch.
That low B on my Pedulla sings out really well, but at those frequencies it is never going to belt out like those low E and above. But you are on the right track. In my opinion it is all in the eq of your rig... AND... the way you attack that particular string. Sometimes I really like the duller sound I get playing that string high on the neck. I usually adjust eq on the fly depending on where I am going.
The deepest bottom I've heard from a bass cab has been from Acmebass and Hughes & Kettner boxes. Everything else starts to lose it just above the open E.
I like alex websters sound. I know how to eq just fine, but I think i just need a new bass and a tube amp. I want to get an ampeg but i cant afford it right now. Ill have to try changing my strings too, it hasnt been that long but sometimes strings die quick.
Many cheaper 5's sound like 4+1. That's the problem. Always using fresh strings can help, maybe adjust your pickups.
IME, you need about 1k-2k watts and some efficient cabs to go along with that power to "cut through the mix" with a low B.
Maybe a couple of Lophat AX212 3 Way cabs might do it: Invalid Link Removed
Getting the B string to pop out in the mix does not need a mountain of 30hz low end. The bass may be the culprit. Some basses just do not put out a very good tone for the B string. One frequency to boost is around 60-120hz to get the B string really thumping - you will be able to quickly hear it. Ignore the sounds below 60hz - in a live setting you really don't need them to hear yourself. Focusing in the low mids around 250hz is also a good idea to add body to the 5th string.
Another trick about the B string is that you have to hit the string lighter than the other strings. So, even though you can go town on the E string, you can't quite do that on the B string. The bigger the string, the lighter you need to hit it to make a sound.
On The GK head, where is your Contour knob set? Set it all the way to the left before playing next time and go from there.
Also, try a better quality 5 string bass and see if it sounds better through your rig. The bass you have now might sound terrible and might be the reason you don't like the GK head.
What brand of strings are you using? If the strings still sound bright unamplified, they probably don't need to change.
I have daddario pro steels right now, but i just ordered the new DR DDTs to try out. I cut my very bottom end because that just turns the mix into mud. I always start the contour on the GK to the left and roll it slowly. Im trying to use the frown EQ since we are playing metal and my guitarists are using the smile EQ. I have a bass EQ pedal to cut 50 kHZ and boost 400 and 800 kHZ to cut through. The mid range on my bass kinda sucks, i think thats my biggest problem. Ill try the GK with the new strings when i get them. Tomorrow im gonna try to plug into my marshall and use my 4x10 and compare it to the GK.
I do agree that the bass sounds like a 4 + 1 string.
I do agree that the bass sounds like a 4 + 1 string.
If you have the contour counterclockwise, I believe that you have it set flat.
IME the mud never comes from anything below about 45Hz. In PAs it's usually 80Hz. In bass rigs it's anywhere from 80Hz to 200Hz.
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I'm not saying 'Go out and get a new bass, or quit at life.', but frankly, it might be the bass.
Alex Webster uses inexpensive spectors, and most of his sound comes from his technique. You could go look at some of the more inexpensive spectors, put your DDT's on that, downtune and play percussively like he does. Alex Webster is the reason I started playing bass. T3h Br00t4Lz
Alex webster has a spector, but he mostly uses his modulus quantum 5. Its what he uses on stage and its what he used to record evisceration plague. That bass costs about $4000. Once i get home ill plug into my marshall and see what kind of sounds i can get.
