how do I get a gritty, crisp tone

[twangman]

I'm looking for a gritty tone similar to Rick Lopez of the Casualties, or similar to Matt Freeman.
A good example can be heard here: Invalid Link Removed

So far I've been plugging my Geddy directly into my recorder and it sounds plain and dull.

 

[rratajski]

Do you have a tube amp? If so, turn up the gain. Flat or below flat bass, medium high mids. Roundwound strings.

 

[kohntarkosz]

My Hartke Attack VXL pedal is both gritty and crisp. Some like that tone, others do not. I can only report what my ears tell me.

 

[mmbongo]

Darkglass B3K

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[gregmon79]

We need more details. Flats or rounds? Tube, SS or hybrid? Any pedals you are working with or have?? Pick or finger player?? These are bigger details I can think that would help us get you where you want to be.

 

[skulletwhip]

P Bass, pick, tone control wide open, and plenty of hi mids.

 

[twangman]

Mmbongo pretty much nailed it. That B3k is out of my price range. Anyone have any experience with the behringer BOD400?
I've been using a pick and ernie ball super slinkys.

 

[twangman]

Also, could a pedal do the same job as a DI box? I'm completely new to this guys :-/

 

[gregmon79]

You may want to check out the preamps tech 21 makes, the VT and or BDDI (bass driver DI) or a darkglass B7K. If a B3K is out of your price range then the 7 will be too. But it's something to think about down the road. The 7 can do aggressive and modern to warm and vintage. It's worth the money. Totally. A fulltone OCD is good for what you describe as is a joyo ultimate drive. The latter being a $35 pedal.

 

[ShowKing]

VT bass!

 

[bigmoosepi]

roto 66 strings and a tube amp.

If tube amp isn't an option, some kind of preamp as suggested above.