Identifying Basses Tone Only?

[jackajesusfreak]

Before I set this question up, let me first say that my experience playing the bass began in February 2009, so the question I'm setting up here, comes from that perspective. The more experienced your bass journey has been, the better advantage you may have answering this question.

If someone were to take similar models and specs of these 10 bass guitars (Fender, Peavey, Schecter, Yamaha, ESP, Ibanez, Dean, Music Man, Warwick, Squire), setting them up all with the same strings, same settings on the guitar, played through the same amp with the same amp settings, played at the same volume, playing the same song or riff, with the same person playing each one, how many could you identify without visually seeing the bass guitars?

Jack

 

[sdunnevant]

I could probably identify the Music Man, Schecter, and Esp. The difference of tone alone between the fender and squire would be harder to decipher.

 

[Chasarms]

I could probably identify the Music Man, Schecter, and Esp. The difference of tone alone between the fender and squire would be harder to decipher.

Yep. The Warwick would probably also stand out. Although I would have to know more about the specific models of basses. Which had single coils, which had active preamps, etc? That would be more tell-tale than the actual maker.

 

[BrBss]

It really depends on what you mean by "similar models and specs".

 

[jackajesusfreak]

Yep. The Warwick would probably also stand out. Although I would have to know more about the specific models of basses. Which had single coils, which had active preamps, etc? That would be more tell-tale than the actual maker.

I'm not that familiar with all the models of these 10 basses, but I would try to choose as many common denominators as possible. In other words, if 8 out of 10 all had dual humbuckers then I'd choose those. I'd choose all passive if that choice was available and so on. I would want them to be as similar as possible.

Jack

 

[Chasarms]

I'm not that familiar with all the models of these 10 basses, but I would try to choose as many common denominators as possible. In other words, if 8 out of 10 all had dual humbuckers then I'd choose those. I'd choose all passive if that choice was available and so on. I would want them to be as similar as possible.

Jack

Obviously, the more similar you spec them, the more similar they are going to sound. There are certain basses out there that have a signature sound. Ken Smith, Musicman, Sadowsky come to mind, but there are certainly more. After that, they are much more defined the specs than the maker.

 

[jackajesusfreak]

Obviously, the more similar you spec them, the more similar they are going to sound. There are certain basses out there that have a signature sound. Ken Smith, Musicman, Sadowsky come to mind, but there are certainly more. After that, they are much more defined the specs than the maker.

So, that being said, there are only a few that have distinct identifiable tones and all the rest would be defined by their specs?

 

[Chasarms]

So, that being said, there are only a few that have distinct identifiable tones and all the rest would be defined by their specs?

In my opinion, yes. Of course, there is more to it than just the tone. They are all going to have a different feel and the overall build quality is going to vary. Of course, there is a significant varience in look as well.

 

[jackajesusfreak]

In my opinion, yes. Of course, there is more to it than just the tone. They are all going to have a different feel and the overall build quality is going to vary. Of course, there is a significant varience in look as well.

Understood, but in this particular scenario, I was speaking strictly from a sound standpoint without any visual. I guess we could put Rickenbacker in there as being one that would probably be identifiable by tone alone?

 

[Bassmunnky]

IS the Band Playing?

I was in Nashville, club hopping. I found no Matter WHAT the bass player was holding, where the audience was standing, seems like I was getting my undies in a bunch over nothing! I started using my Sting Rays live for everything after that, instead of bringing the 'I used it on the album' collection. And well, if the audience is wearing earplugs...well..