• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

How do I get this Fender sound on my Rick?

J

jpc

Nov 2, 2007
164
42
Old World
#1
Hi there,

my hardcore/punk band is doing a cover of this song: and I want to get as close as possible to the bass player's sound. I've seen live videos and he's using Jazz as well as P basses and different amps which I can't identify. I don't know if he's using pedals.

Can I get his sound without a Fender bass or is the sound unique to Fender basses? Maybe it's not just the bass but also the amp, but I've heard this sound often, mostly from Fender basses. My setup is Rickenbacker 4001 --> Darkglass B3K --> Ampeg V4-B. Can I get there without buying a Fender? ;) I'm not good with getting sounds figured out, please enlighten me.

Thank you for helping out!
 
#2
I havent played a rick in years but i have heard some pretty fendery tones come out of them. After i post this im sure somones going to point out you play through a v4 and that im crazy but have you ever considered a sansamp? I play only fender basses but i pull my sansamp out to get some other peoples tones at times that my amp cant produce.
 
#3
In my experience, get a Fender precision, load it up with wirewound strings (like Rotosound RS66) and scoop the midrange a bit. Open up the tone and volume all the way on the bass. If you play with a pick, you can come very close. Add in a good bit of bass and a little bit of treble, depending on your speaker system.
 
#5
Thanks for the replies so far. Since I'm gonna need this sound for a few cover songs in our set only I'm not willing to invest in a new bass or pedals/amps :rollno: Do I have a chance to get there by tweaking tone controls on my Rick/Amp or with different strings (using GHS bass boomers right now)?
 
#6
jpc said:
Hi there,

my hardcore/punk band is doing a cover of this song: and I want to get as close as possible to the bass player's sound. I've seen live videos and he's using Jazz as well as P basses and different amps which I can't identify. I don't know if he's using pedals.

Can I get his sound without a Fender bass or is the sound unique to Fender basses? Maybe it's not just the bass but also the amp, but I've heard this sound often, mostly from Fender basses. My setup is Rickenbacker 4001 --> Darkglass B3K --> Ampeg V4-B. Can I get there without buying a Fender? ;) I'm not good with getting sounds figured out, please enlighten me.

Thank you for helping out!
Click to expand...


Scoop mids and add distortion and play with a pick ... pretty simple actually ...

And OMG the vocals on that track are annoying ...
 
#9
You should be able to do that tone no problem. It's a very clanky, trebly, distorted tone—which the Rick is very good at.

Just muck about with you EQ a bit, and you should be fine. Besides, once the rest of the band kicks in, is anyone going to notice, or even care whether or not your bass tone is an exact replica of the original recording? I'll tell you—the answer is no.
 
#11
this..

bass and mids are both down..stainless wirewounds if you must and a pick...

Yango said:
You should be able to do that tone no problem. It's a very clanky, trebly, distorted tone—which the Rick is very good at.

Just muck about with you EQ a bit, and you should be fine. Besides, once the rest of the band kicks in, is anyone going to notice, or even care whether or not your bass tone is an exact replica of the original recording? I'll tell you—the answer is no[/B].
Click to expand...
 
#14
With a setup like you have...why do you even WANT to make it sound like a Fender? :hiding:

J/k, j/k. I actually think the tone on that track sounds pretty Rick-ish. You shouldn't have much trouble. Still, if you want, you can use it as an excuse to add to your bass collection. :bassist:

And just to counter some people's comments...I loved this track! Good vocals.
 
#15
I agree with those who recommend boosting the bass and treble and scooping the mids. But I would also recommend using new strings, if you're using Boomers. It's been my experience that they lose their "zing" and "clank" pretty quickly.
 
#16
Thank you for the replies. I'll try what you suggested when I get home.
I'm happy with my current setup and it's just for some cover songs that require that kind of sound. Also, my bank account wouldn't accept this excuse to buy a Fender ;)
And yes, the music and the vocals are not for everyone and that's fine with me. I totally love it.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back