Is Simple The Way To Go?

[Crazy_Jake]

I've always had the absolute best luck with a minimalist setup.

Bass > sansamp > tuner > amp. That's it.

So long as you're not pushing tons of effects, there's literally no point in getting more complicated than this. At least that's what I've found. The simpler, the better.

Thoughts?

I keep my setup pretty minimal - straight into the amp and I have a clip on tuner so no need for a pedal

 

[bass71]

Simple is a dangerous word but last weekend I used a supplied Marshall 4x10 and an old high powered Marshall rack top, no idea what model and was amazed at the thick crisp tone and volume this rig put out. Hard to imagine what else I would have needed....the band liked it a lot and I'm pretty sure the audience were cool with it too.
P bass, flats, tone wide open, light touch. Perfect.

 

[sikamikanico]

Hell, a lot of shows I don't even bring an amp anymore.

Why would you bring an amp if you have a SansAmp?

I love simple, but within reason, and depending on context. Like some smart guy once said - make it as simple as possible, but no simpler.

 

[40Hz]

Everybody develops their own formula for what sounds good and works for them.

Best take a tip from CoCo Channel when it comes to your process. As she (allegedly) so famously said: "Don't bore me with the details darling. Just give it to me."

I personally don't think it really matters how you do it. Straight into an amp, or with a stage full of effects and a rack full of gear, doesn't matter. So long as you can consistently deliver what's needed, and on demand, is all that matters.

Music performance is a results driven meritocracy. Just like pinball - you rack up enough points in the game you're currently playing, you get to play again. It's really that simple.

Worrying about or overthinking gear and process is just further unnecessary distractions. Best way IMO to simplify (if you feel simpler truly is better) is to go use whatever strikes your fancy - and keep your focus on the music itself. That's what's really important.

Doesn't get any simpler than that.

Or so I think anyway. YMMV.

 

[Kro]

Why would you bring an amp if you have a SansAmp?

Look, it's not like it's called a... wait....



I know your post was being cheeky, but using a SansAmp and amp both for live work is the next best thing to having two rigs on-stage. The SansAmp is treated like an amp tweaked to perfection and mic'd in isolation, with the actual amp being used to dial in the perfect stage monitoring tone, which for me personally frequently differs from what I want going to FOH or what they expect.

 

[Wfrance3]

bass-polytune-keeley bassist-sansamp para DI. works for acoustic guitar too!

 

[brianrost]

I really like minimalist gigs. I want the venue to not only provide a backline amp, I want them to provide a bass. Even better if they hire someone to play it but pay me instead.

 

[brianrost]

I really like minimalist gigs. I want the venue to not only provide a backline amp, I want them to provide a bass. Even better if they hire someone to play it but pay me instead.

I have done gigs with just a bass and the venue DIed me into the PA. Easy peasy.

 

[Selios]

I am a minimalist type of guy, but I am attracted to units that offer flexibility.

For example, I will plug straight in to my Ampeg SVT 5Pro, and use just the clean channel most of the time. So it's just one unit, but I appreciate the ability to blend in some overdrive once in a while, or play with the power configurations that the amp can offer (when playing with multiple cabinets, mono-bridging, etc.).

Same thing with my VT Bass DI. One very simple unit that offers much flexibility ie. DI usage, stompbox overdrive usage, etc.

 

[cnltb]

Is Simple The Way To Go?
Always.

 

[Nev375]

 

[zachoff]

I guess my rig is relatively complicated, but I definitely set it and forget it. So, not simple in it's form, but pretty simple in its execution.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

I love my effects board, but if I’m keeping it simple I plug straight into my amp. Bass -> cable -> amp.

 

[obimark]

I've always had the absolute best luck with a minimalist setup.

Bass > sansamp > tuner > amp. That's it.

So long as you're not pushing tons of effects, there's literally no point in getting more complicated than this. At least that's what I've found. The simpler, the better.

Thoughts?

I agree- my only addition is I liked to add a chorus pedal that I used on a couple of songs when I gigged.

 

[faulknersj]

Bass plugged directly into amp is minimalist.
Two pedals in between isn't.

Exactly!

 

[JRA]

Bass>shim>whatever

Do what you want but it really doesn't matter.

There are just as many crappy bass players out there plugging straight in as there are using pedals. Using pedals doesn't make you better, but neither does NOT using them.

 

[4StringAxe]

Purist gets used in funny ways around here sometimes.

pur·ist
ˈpyo͝orəst/
noun
a person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures, especially in language or style.

So.
If the song you're covering originally used effects, by definition you'd only be a purist if you used effects.

If the song you're covering didn't use effects then a purist wouldn't use effects.

Just saying. Do what works and makes you happy.

 

[overit]

Direct box and Polyclip

 

[sing-modulator]

simple setup for simple music. more nuanced setup for more nuanced music. or do whatever you want and have the most fun you can! spending less money doesnt make you smart, and neither does spending more. spend the money it takes to do what you want. that said, i think discussions like this are important to figure out what exactly people want to do, so they at least have an idea of how to g about doing it!

 

[kesslari]

Simpler is better.
Sing your parts. No gear at all.
The End.