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How to make my gear sounds better?

#21
Vicolls said:
Yeah, but all the fun is that I recorded this sound without Rumble, only via Boss GT-10.

I'm not satisfied with the sound cause when I see (rather hear) some bassists on youtube they've got really clear, bright bass.

For example - .

I know Wooten is top tier, but the sound he created is lovely. Middles and trebbles sounds perfect. I can't get it on my bass.

Or listen to my (very first) cover: . What do you think about this sound?
Click to expand...

I like your sound. Kind of like a Jazz Bass, but maybe a bit compressed?

What helped me was finding a map online showing what all your knobs and switches do. If that isn't possible, just find demo videos of your bass. You're bound to find something useful.
 
#23
Pilgrim said:
My advice is to take the effects processor out of the circuit and get comfortable playing without using it.
Click to expand...

The problem with doing that is he's using it as his audio interface for recording.

He'd be better off plugging the bass directly into the amp, of course, but there's nothing wrong with using the processor after the amp as an A/D converter.
 
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#24
Vicolls said:
Hello everyone,

If you've got idea just tell me, I will set it and record so you will know where it can go.
Click to expand...

Sounds Good! You have a nice fat sound already. I'm a similar noob with a new Roland Micro Cube featuring amp models and effects way over my head. I'm trying to keep it simple but it's great to be able to make so many different tones. Its fun.
 
#26
Less is more. I believe in many ways tone is a combination of things. First of all, the player. I am in the same boat you are to a point (I'm not that good because I don't practice enough though :). I have seen many mess up what tone they have because they just begin twisting knobs and buying boxes. I gigged with a Rumble for years. Great tone possibilities. What I discovered (with no effects - running straight in) was that the Rumble was very sensitive, especially with an Active EQ (very sensitive to 18v, to the point of having to remove a battery to go to 9v or use a Big Banana to step down the signal). Turning knobs a great deal to try to dial in the tone didn't work. It was subtle changes to the settings on both the bass and amp that brought about the best results.

Good luck with your hunt.
 
#27
lz4005 said:
The problem with doing that is he's using it as his audio interface for recording.

He'd be better off plugging the bass directly into the amp, of course, but there's nothing wrong with using the processor after the amp as an A/D converter.
Click to expand...

The rumble 100 has an Effects Send correct? Could send that to the Boss to get his preamp tone in the recording too
 
#30
Groove Master said:
Too much inconsistency in your playing. Bad technique, poor control of your sound, lack of control of the dynamics, this is what is happening. Sorry but it has to be said... It is not the gear, it's your fingers...
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I think he said he was a beginner. I have heard a lot worse from beginners. Maybe dial it back a little? It takes a lot of guts to post yourself playing on here and these kinds of comments aren't helpful, well intentioned or not
 
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#31
Stranger Danger said:
I think he said he was a beginner. I have heard a lot worse from beginners. Maybe dial it back a little? It takes a lot of guts to post yourself playing on here and these kinds of comments aren't helpful, well intentioned or not
Click to expand...
I hear you but this is the lesson: The sound is not in the gear and the OP should start to focus on his playing, not the gear. I hope he will get that. And he only mention that he is a noob at recording, not playing.
 
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#35
Vicolls said:
Hello everyone,

I've just created the account mainly beacuse I need some advices. I'm not best bass player but trying to skill it as much as my time allows me to. The problem is - I'm really noob when it comes to usage of all these knobs in my guitar and controling effects.

I use Cort B4 bass guitar, Boss GT-10 effect processor and Fender Rumble 100 as amplifier. When it comes to recording my playtime it goes trough Boss GT-10 via USB (there is no need to use Rumble).

The problem is I'm not satisfied with the sound of my gear. Tried to figure it out but I don't know how to control it, just use knobs randomly.

Cort B4 has passive/active electronics, boss gt-10 has many effects. I think the best idea is to record something for you. In this one I'm using active and no effects on gt-10:

I'd like to make the sound more expressiv, "groovy" or "funky" let's say. Cause I think the sound is really flat. (It's really difficult to describe with words the sound :p)

What should I use in your opinion? What to add to make the sound better? Boss GT-10 got many things like comp, preamp, eq, limiter and other stuff.

If you've got idea just tell me, I will set it and record so you will know where it can go.
Click to expand...


You're clipping something in the signal chain pretty badly, and the strings sound very dead.

Use correct gain staging so you're not clipping your signal, learn how your bass controls work so you can select your pickup blend and EQ properly, and either clean your strings or put on a fresh set: good luck!
 
#36
MDBass said:
You're clipping something in the signal chain pretty badly, and the strings sound very dead.

Use correct gain staging so you're not clipping your signal, learn how your bass controls work so you can select your pickup blend and EQ properly, and either clean your strings or put on a fresh set: good luck!
Click to expand...
He is clipping right on the bass because he cannot control his dynamics with his fingers. That is the problem I hear.
 
#37
Groove Master said:
There is no gear that will make it sound better, not one! The sound is in the hands. Like sound engineers are saying: Garbage in, garbage out.

And THAT is my advice to sound better: Go practice!!
Click to expand...
It may shock you to find out you can learn how to use your gear and work on your playing simultaneously. They're not mutually exclusive.
 
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#38
Vicolls said:
Hello everyone,

I've just created the account mainly beacuse I need some advices. I'm not best bass player but trying to skill it as much as my time allows me to. The problem is - I'm really noob when it comes to usage of all these knobs in my guitar and controling effects.

I use Cort B4 bass guitar, Boss GT-10 effect processor and Fender Rumble 100 as amplifier. When it comes to recording my playtime it goes trough Boss GT-10 via USB (there is no need to use Rumble).

The problem is I'm not satisfied with the sound of my gear. Tried to figure it out but I don't know how to control it, just use knobs randomly.

Cort B4 has passive/active electronics, boss gt-10 has many effects. I think the best idea is to record something for you. In this one I'm using active and no effects on gt-10:

I'd like to make the sound more expressiv, "groovy" or "funky" let's say. Cause I think the sound is really flat. (It's really difficult to describe with words the sound :p)

What should I use in your opinion? What to add to make the sound better? Boss GT-10 got many things like comp, preamp, eq, limiter and other stuff.

If you've got idea just tell me, I will set it and record so you will know where it can go.
Click to expand...


I dunno, it sounded pretty funky to me. If you need an example, find a copy of the TV show Sanford and Son, and listen to the bass line at the beginning. You're a dead on copy.

Now, this may come as heresy here at talk bass, but a new set of strings will work wonders for your sound. Expression however, comes from your technique.
 

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