Double Bass How does Ron Carter get a tone like that?

[Kragnorak]

Still, I don't think he ever really changed his rig, always GK micro bass realist and labella blacks.

Played another gig last night and focused more on playing the amp with lower string heights and I think I edge a little closer to his sound.

How does bowing or unamplified bass sound on the LaBella blacks? I only have one upright so I can't have one with pizz/amp setup and one with classical setup as I'd like.

 

[Ric Vice]

How does bowing or unamplified bass sound on the LaBella blacks? I only have one upright so I can't have one with pizz/amp setup and one with classical setup as I'd like.

I played Labella Blacks, on electric bass, when I was in college. Although I know that Ron Carter does bow occasionally, I'm fairly certain that they wouldn't be the best choice for arco playing. What they do really well is give you the ability to slide into the next pitch very easily.

Ric

P.S. while I do think it's interesting to listen to other players, and breakdown their sound, I don't think it's particularly productive to actually try and duplicate their sound by adopting their string choices. I heard Mr. Carter play through a Crate bass amp on
a loaned bass here in St. Louis, and he sounded exactly the same as, he does on recordings. It's in the heart and hands my friends. Just my take.

Ric

 

[Lo-E]

he's been Ron Carter for a long time now: that helps substantially...

I'd be willing to bet that has something to do with it.

 

[jake3]

RC is the man! you listen to him play and you imagine that he is all over the bass. You watch him play and realize that he milks every note in every position he's in. He is the master of economy of effort.

the economy of effort kills me, and so does the way he looks so cool while making such great note choices.