How do I get a raw bass tone?

[devinp17]

Hey everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me with getting a raw sound from my bass. I'm a finger-style bassist, and I'm currently playing a Squier Precision Bass Special (P/J) along with a Traynor BLOC 80B... very simple combo amp.(Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass). I'll be getting an Electro-Harmonix Steel Leather Bass Expander Pedal soon as I ordered it a few days ago. So does anyone have some suggestions? New amp, another pedal, different bass maybe? I might be getting the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass because I know that the middle switch setting sounds really nice and raw!

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[bkbirge]

What does "raw" mean to you?

 

[hrodbert696]

What does "raw" mean to you?

+1, maybe an example of the tone you're trying to emulate?

 

[devinp17]

I wanna get kinda like a Fender Jazz Bass Special type sound...
That's the rawest sounding bass I've ever heard... I have the P/J pickups but I don't know what else...

 

[hrodbert696]

You mean one of the 80s ones like Duff McKagan played? Friend, there is no such thing as "the" Fender Jazz Special "sound." It has two pickups and a tone control - you can get lots of different sounds out of it. So you've still given us no idea what you actually mean by "raw."

If you want Duff McKagan's tone, or that of someone else who uses that particular bass, tell us so, and maybe someone knows what else they use in their rig. Or if you have a youtube video or sound clip of the tone you want, share that and people may have ideas how to get it. Not much we can say without more information.

 

[OldDirtyBassist]

The Rickenbacker 4003 is pretty knarly sounding. So is a Fender Precision or Jazz that has a maple fingerboard, with very low action.

 

[nightwulf]

Don't boil your strings?

 

[Boot Soul]

play naked

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

This sounds snarky, but I don't mean it that way: Practice more and worry about gear less. You can find your sound with your fingers so long as you have half decent gear. No pedals, no gimmicks - FINGERS.

 

[joebar]

don't cook it

 

[Jensby design]

Don't boil your strings?

[size=+2][FONT=Book Antiqua]THIS      IS     [COLOR=Orange]GOLD[/COLOR][/FONT][/size]

 

[Stone Soup]

I'll be getting an Electro-Harmonix Steel Leather Bass Expander Pedal

I'm disappointed EH would even market such silliness.

I was wondering if anyone could help me with getting a raw sound from my bass.

Keep your strings clean and learn to use your fingers and your amp controls.

 

[bigsnaketex]

I was going to suggest the Steel Leather pedal because that is the rawest signal I've ever gotten. . . but you're doing that.

So I have nothing else to suggest!

 

[gregmon79]

You want raw, check this out. I just found out about it myself. And I wants! Wow.

Idiot Box Blower Box bass dist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxtF6aodWQE

 

[Buchada Azeda]

I was going to suggest the Steel Leather pedal because that is the rawest signal I've ever gotten. . . but you're doing that.

So I have nothing else to suggest!

Clanky high mids are "raw" now?

 

[SirMjac28]

You want raw, check this out. I just found out about it myself. And I wants! Wow.

Idiot Box Blower Box bass dist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxtF6aodWQE

Wow is that a cool sound thanks for sharing that I want one also.

 

[Pilgrim]

Put on new strings and disconnect pedals between you and the amp. That's as "raw" as it gets....whateverinhell "raw" means.

 

[huckleberry1]

+ 1 San Diego Harry, I've searched the world over when all along it was in my hands the whole time. But the answer you are seeking would be in a set of Lindy Fralin precision style pickups...

 

[bigsnaketex]

Clanky high mids are "raw" now?

I don't consider it a clanky high mid the way I have it set on my board. . .I use it for my Sabbath tone. I actually call it "raw".

 

[Stone Soup]

Put on new strings and disconnect pedals between you and the amp. That's as "raw" as it gets....whateverinhell "raw" means.

+1

I use it for my Sabbath tone. I actually call it "raw".

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raw

By definition, 'raw' is in it's natural state. It doesn't make sense, saying something altered or run through an effect is 'raw'. I think a better description is in order.