How can I get That Deep, Smooth tone?

[arcellus]

I disagree that light, steel strings equal bright tone. I play DR Hi-Beams in ridiculously light gauges (my E is .95) and can get a really dark, thick tone. The key (for me, at least) is super low action and keeping my attack very light. You can look to some of Gary Willis's writing on that point.

The previous posts mentioning how much control over your sound is in your fingers are dead on.

 

[lovemybasses]

your problem is Geddy Lee jazz bass. It is one crisp, bright, thin sounding instrument. All the starts and stop there...but, yes, as lots of guys said - try flatwounds strings, get some EQ, or better yet, tube DI (like REDDI, but ok, it is expensive I guess???) ,preamp and set your amplifier controls.

(best deal is to sell your bass and buy another)

 

[steveinohio]

Pretty bright setup. I have always found GKs to be pretty bright sounding amps.

Try getting a set of Flats. Keep messing around. You will find a tone that works.

 

[michele]

A good p-bass is all you need.

+1
... also put a set of flatwound strings and roll off your tone knob.