Metal Music

I'd say get a good compressor and a good fuzz/overdrive unit...other that that it's just good to toy with different units at the store until you find something cool....

Be warned though, if you get into effects, it can be an expensive side-hobby!

 

Yup: Compressor.

..but may I suggest that you get one that allows you to dial-in a pronounced attack 'tick'.

I use the Boss CS-3. Now we maybe both know that the CS-3 is not the most respected compressor around here, but that has alot to do with how 'unatural' it sounds; how 'not-transparent' it is. That's why I like it!

One thing I like is how when using a pick, I can get a killer kickdrum-like "TICK!" on the initail note transients - including muted-string 'dead-strokes' - punchy! ..AND I can simply use the Attack control like it was a "pick-tick volume knob" - cool.

Oh - and the Tone control lets me boost treble first-thing after the bass - I always leave it pretty-much around 3:00.

Joe

 

to me, there is no greater effect on bass than an overdrive. Compression really helps, but Ive always looked at compression as a way of smoothing out ones own sloppy playing. I know thats not all a compressor does, but id make a case for a nice overdrive before anything else. I have lots of stompbox O/D's and dist's but none of them sound quite as good through a DI as they do coming out of the amp. So far, my favorite O/D is the one on ampegs billy sheehan preamp. I think theres some samples at basstasters.com.

 

For me it goes like this:

1. compressor
2. fuzz/overdrive (not a full on distortion like a Muff or Rat)
3. chorus

Thats all I ever really need.

 

I would say hang onto the Wah and Rat and go Cliff Burton style. Tha'ts a good place to start for metal music.

 

i think all you will need for metal is an overdrive, chorus or flanger.

MIke

 

Are there many Hard Rock, Alternative Rock or Metal players that play clean?

 

i think most hardrock and metal bass players, play clean but most of them use valve amps so they get a nice bit of natural overdrive..

 

you dont need effects to play in a metalband, i play clean in my thrash/death band.


but different people, different taste.