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Having trouble getting that growly P bass tone

SpasticTastic

SpasticTastic

Dec 22, 2012
530
387
Louisiana
#1
So, I recently got me an Aria Integra, a late '80s version with stock P/J pickups. I'm pretty pleased with it, but there's something from the sound I feel is missing.

I feel like it's missing that certain "growl" and overdriven Precision could have. I've tried everything; adjust the on-board EQ, pickup height, messing with my EQ... I get close, but it still feels missing.

I think the best way I can describe it is these videos:





I hope that can describe what I'm aiming form. It has this very strong, prominent midrange that goes through. I feel like it might have to do with the tone of the bass itself. The tone is more focused in the low/low mids and high end. It's an EXTREMELY bright and thumpy bass, even with the action raised fairly high.

I was thinking maybe a pickup change could help this? Maybe replacing the stock 2-band preamp with a 3-band one to help control the midrange? Anyone else got any tips for a P bass noob? :p
 
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#5
SpasticTastic said:
So, I recently got me an Aria Integra, a late '80s version with stock P/J pickups. I'm pretty pleased with it, but there's something from the sound I feel is missing.

I feel like it's missing that certain "growl" and overdriven Precision could have. I've tried everything; adjust the on-board EQ, pickup height, messing with my EQ... I get close, but it still feels missing.

I think the best way I can describe it is these videos:





I hope that can describe what I'm aiming form. It has this very strong, prominent midrange that goes through. I feel like it might have to do with the tone of the bass itself. The tone is more focused in the low/low mids and high end. It's an EXTREMELY bright and thumpy bass, even with the action raised fairly high.

I was thinking maybe a pickup change could help this? Maybe replacing the stock 2-band preamp with a 3-band one to help control the midrange? Anyone else got any tips for a P bass noob? :p
Click to expand...

If I'm not mistaken, none of these were recorded using a pbass.. Might be hard to nail those tones with a pbass..
 
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#7
SpasticTastic said:
Tried that. It still isn't there.



Those clips I posted sounded pretty growly to me. I guess we have different definitions for that sound?
Click to expand...
Yep, think so, but a P/J can growl. Have you tried an external Pre-amp pedal, like an Aquilar ToneHammer?
 
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#8
BigBobbyBass said:
If I'm not mistaken, none of these were recorded using a pbass.. Might be hard to nail those tones with a pbass..
Click to expand...

First clip was with Geddy using an old P-bass

2nd clip was done with Billy Gould's Zon Sonus with a P/J setup.

3rd clip was done with a Spector P/J.

Gorn said:
What strings are you using?
Click to expand...

Rotosound roundwounds. 45 - 105
 
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#11
Gorn said:
Being Geddy Lee helps
Click to expand...

I'd imagine it does, but I've heard lots of examples of the sound I'm going for. I feel like I'm the only player who can't get it. :p

SonnyBassPlayer said:
I would suggest trying a light overdrive. It helps getting more presence IMO. Together with a strong picking (not overly hard or slacky, don't get me wrong!) it should help you get close to that tone.
Also strings.
Rotosound 66-Overdrive-not caressing the strings
All IMHO ;)
Click to expand...

Descibed my current setup to a T, actually.

Very, very light overdrive, fairly strong pick attack (and using fingers as well), and using Rotos.

Edit: I should mention I'm using a POD HD500. I'm using a Gallien Krueger 800RB sim paired with the matching cab, master and boost dimed to get that grit.
 
#13
TomB said:
Try slightly higher action and a stronger attack. ...see what happens.
Click to expand...

I did end up raising the action a good bit. Unfortunately for it to really get an effect, I had to raise the action to an uncomfortable level. it did help, but it feels uncomfy to play. I will admit there's a good bit of bow in the neck, but I don't have the right truss rod wrench. I'll be getting one in a few days, though.

I also messed around with some settings on the POD. Tried to go for a bi-amp setup with a SVT sim handling the low end and the Gallien Krueger handling a mid-heavy overdrive. This also helped a good bit.
 
#15
SpasticTastic said:
Edit: I should mention I'm using a POD HD500. I'm using a Gallien Krueger 800RB sim paired with the matching cab, master and boost dimed to get that grit.
Click to expand...

I find the grit is much easier to get with the input volume cranked instead of the master, where your doing what i do to get as clean a sound as possible with the master(or 300 watt) volume fully cranked and use the input as the level. I will say though, I just got the Darkglass vintage microtubes and that baby will get that Faith No More sound no problem, or Rush, or Queensryche, etc.... I much prefer that over the GK "rails" tone.
 
#20
SpasticTastic said:
First clip was with Geddy using an old P-bass

2nd clip was done with Billy Gould's Zon Sonus with a P/J setup.

3rd clip was done with a Spector P/J.



Rotosound roundwounds. 45 - 105
Click to expand...

Yep. Roll The Bones was played using a 1958-59 Fender Precision with Rotosound 66s.

Weird....the fact that you yourself have Rotosound rounds on should be making it growl? Roundwounds help with the tone you're looking for but not exactly. Mind you that Geddy is relentless with his right hand attack. He plays HARD on the strings and seems to have the stamina for it.
 
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