Looping

[T. Alan Smith]

How do you all approach "slotting" the different layers of your stacked loops? For example, do you EQ each layer differently based on the part(muted rhythm vs. melodic part)? How do you approach the 1st track in order to keep everything neat and uncluttered sounding as you develop your loops?
I've been working extensively with my MusicMan basses thru an Akai Headrush looper. I run a pretty clean rig(Markbass LittleMarkII / Bergantino HT112) and keep the EQ flat on the head.

 

[Dr Steve Lawson]

I find two things are particularly key here - one is right hand technique, and the variation in sounds that is possible if you don't just anchor your thumb on one of the pickups and pick in the same place for every layer.

the other is the overall EQ of your amp - if you have a rig with a pronounced bass boost and severe mid-cut, it's going to be pretty tricky to get any definition into the layers... I've seen quite a few bassists try, and then have a eureka moment when I set the EQ on their bass flat and turned off the 'pre-shape' on their amp.

Beyond that, I often give the layers different sounds - tremolo, chorus, distortion, etc, to help differentiate between them... And other times I like that the layers blend into one.

cheers

Steve

 

[T. Alan Smith]

Your input is appreciated, Steve.
Sounds as though touch/technique is more important in layering to you than operating inboard EQ. I find that interesting. I've done a bit with my passive P bass and can do a surprising ammt of layering.

 

[Dr Steve Lawson]

For sure - I run my basses in passive mode most of the time, so pretty much all the tonal variation comes from my hands and the pickup blend control (which I only ever really use like a switch - Front, back or both)



steve

 

[T. Alan Smith]

Yeah, on my fretted Stingray 5, I employ the coil tap switch and that's much more efficient than playing with the EQ. On my fretless Stingray 4, I have the piezo to work with and that helps tremendously ...again, more than playing w/EQ.
I'm learning something.