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Mudbucker bass players what amp?

D

DavidEdenAria

Dec 13, 2013
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On a Hill
#1
If this is the wrong section mods can you move it?

I'm curious what the mudbucker players use for an amp and specifically real mudbucker basses but if not please specify what bass and pickups into what bass amp.

My bud has a SVT rig and it is very limiting with my 65 Epiphone Newport as an example the mudbucker drives it too hard and EQ didn't fit well either...strings are GHS Pressure Wounds.

So far my GK 800RB with the preamp and drive way down and master dimed is my favorite sound.

Way more clarity and enough top end and I can vary the EQ quite a bit and still great clean clarity.

It's obvious why the 800RB is a standard but I slightly prefer my Eden Metro with other basses....2 very different amps obviously.

Not to say other Ampeg rigs wouldn't sound way cleaner and more EQ available and the SVT does deliver the classic heavy distorted sound but it's not versatile enough IMHO.

Thanks in advance!
 
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#2
I have a '64 Gibson EB-2 and used a SWR 2x12 Silverado Special combo for almost 20 years. Lots of clarity and bottom, though the upper registers were a tad thin. I did play it once through a 90s GK head (not sure which one) and 2x10 cab and it sounded really good. Didn't sound so good through a 'black' Ampeg SVT and fridge, though.

I find the mudbucker needs a 'clean' rig with plenty of mids and treble to shine. I'd like to hear it through a newer Genzler Kinetix / Bass Array rig.
 
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#3
Mosthigh said:
I have a '64 Gibson EB-2 and used a SWR 2x12 Silverado Special combo for almost 20 years. Lots of clarity and bottom, though the upper registers were a tad thin. I did play it once through a 90s GK head (not sure which one) and 2x10 cab and it sounded really good. Didn't sound so good through a 'black' Ampeg SVT and fridge, though.

I find the mudbucker needs a 'clean' rig with plenty of mids and treble to shine. I'd like to hear it through a newer Genzler Kinetix / Bass Array rig.
Click to expand...
Congrats on the 64 EB-2! Many decades ago late 80s I saw one almost mint it was around a grand but I didn't have the cash or a credit card.

Yea I constantly read folks mentioning mudbucker basses 'back in the day' and the SVT etc.

I don't know what the 1st loud clean bass amps were but the 800RB was likely one of them.....just an amazing amp imo.

I'm not familiar with SWR much but I've seen clubs bands use them going decades back ... I'm glad you have had success with your rig and the EB-2.

Genzler Kinetex Bass Array rig is new to me I will check it out but lots of positive mentions of Genzler.
 
#4
I'm going to play devils advocate here, I've always found any Mudbucker bass sounds better through a tube amp and drivers beefy enough to handle it, Marshall, Hiwatt Sunn, Sound City, Orange, Ampeg etc. (all of which I own). I really love the grit and distortion though, I'm not much of a clean player.
 
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#5
godofthunder59 said:
I'm going to play devils advocate here, I've always found any Mudbucker bass sounds better through a tube amp and drivers beefy enough to handle it, Marshall, Hiwatt Sunn, Sound City, Orange, Ampeg etc. (all of which I own). I really love the grit and distortion though, I'm not much of a clean player.
Click to expand...
I've played it thru early 70's metal face Marshall, Sound City,V4b and Carlsbro yea it's a great sound but the folks that say mudbucker basses are always dirty and muddy are incorrect.. 800RB thru EV15L and add any fav distortion or fuzz to taste but mudbucker will play bright and clean.
 
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#6
There's a lot more here than meets the eye/ear, but I'll start with stating that the amp itself is the least likely culprit here...apologies for what is going to be a fairly long read/essay/thesis...

Electronics. An average '60s Sidewinder/Mudbucker reads 28-32K, which in itself is not a friendly environment for upper mids and highs, especially given the pickup location itself. Presuming that the Newport is wired the same way as the EB-0, there are two caps in the circuit: 0.33 and 0.1. The latter one needs to be removed for the bass to start breathing a little bit. It still won't be anyone's first choice for a Level 42 tribute band, but the sonic picture will improve markedly IMO/IME. See here: Gibson EB0 bass circuitry and wiring information >> FlyGuitars

Output volume. I almost never play any Sidewinder-equipped bass with volume above 8, with 7 being my preferred choice 90% of the time. This is where the sound becomes more mellow and pleasant, at least to my ears. Do bear in mind that I prefer a clean sound, and am not into Bruce/Pappalardi/Fraser types of tone. Late Jim Dewar's "round but clean yet deep" sound with Robin Trower is much more my cup of tea.

Playing style. A *very* light right hand is a must.

Strings. No flats. Sorry TB. I've head good experiences with DR Hi-Beams (SS), Stringjoy and SIT NPS offerings. My current choice are La Bella White Nylons in 60-115 gauge. Obviously, YMMV and heavily so.

Cabinet. By and large far more important than the amp itself in my book. I don't think that the vintage Ampeg fridges pair well with Sidewinders whatsoever. The amp itself - when played through a different cab - should behave far more friendly. My experience with vintage cabs (Marshall/Orange/Sound City 4x12"/120W, Bassman 2x15" and 4x12") hasn't been all that great regardless of the amp(s) involved. Somewhat newer - let's say from late 70s on - cabinets tolerate the low end a lot better IME. Current "fridges" may be fine as well, I've never used one myself.

Amps. Your original question, half an hour later... :roflmao:... I'm not keen on the vintage Bassman range but have recently played a session through a '66 blackface Dual Showman running through an Altec 421-loaded cab and it was a nice vintage sound, albeit on the quiet side. Having said that, most Trace Elliot and SWR "heavy iron" rigs will work fine as well. A friend of mine has an Eden setup - no clue on the models, sorry - and that one took the Sidewinder with no sighing either. I would *presume* that most newer amps and cabs - mid price tier and above - would be just fine. My own amp collection includes a circa '71 Carlsbro 100TC (valve/tube), Polytone 101 1x15" combo (SS) and SWR Studio 220 (hybrid) and all of them play well with the mighty Mudbucker, as does the '90s Trace Elliot stack in my club of choice.

Apologies for the long-winded post, hope it helped at least a bit.

My $0.02 only...
 
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#7
ajkula66 said:
There's a lot more here than meets the eye/ear, but I'll start with stating that the amp itself is the least likely culprit here...apologies for what is going to be a fairly long read/essay/thesis...

Electronics. An average '60s Sidewinder/Mudbucker reads 28-32K, which in itself is not a friendly environment for upper mids and highs, especially given the pickup location itself. Presuming that the Newport is wired the same way as the EB-0, there are two caps in the circuit: 0.33 and 0.1. The latter one needs to be removed for the bass to start breathing a little bit. It still won't be anyone's first choice for a Level 42 tribute band, but the sonic picture will improve markedly IMO/IME. See here: Gibson EB0 bass circuitry and wiring information >> FlyGuitars

Output volume. I almost never play any Sidewinder-equipped bass with volume above 8, with 7 being my preferred choice 90% of the time. This is where the sound becomes more mellow and pleasant, at least to my ears. Do bear in mind that I prefer a clean sound, and am not into Bruce/Pappalardi/Fraser types of tone. Late Jim Dewar's "round but clean yet deep" sound with Robin Trower is much more my cup of tea.

Playing style. A *very* light right hand is a must.

Strings. No flats. Sorry TB. I've head good experiences with DR Hi-Beams (SS), Stringjoy and SIT NPS offerings. My current choice are La Bella White Nylons in 60-115 gauge. Obviously, YMMV and heavily so.

Cabinet. By and large far more important than the amp itself in my book. I don't think that the vintage Ampeg fridges pair well with Sidewinders whatsoever. The amp itself - when played through a different cab - should behave far more friendly. My experience with vintage cabs (Marshall/Orange/Sound City 4x12"/120W, Bassman 2x15" and 4x12") hasn't been all that great regardless of the amp(s) involved. Somewhat newer - let's say from late 70s on - cabinets tolerate the low end a lot better IME. Current "fridges" may be fine as well, I've never used one myself.

Amps. Your original question, half an hour later... :roflmao:... I'm not keen on the vintage Bassman range but have recently played a session through a '66 blackface Dual Showman running through an Altec 421-loaded cab and it was a nice vintage sound, albeit on the quiet side. Having said that, most Trace Elliot and SWR "heavy iron" rigs will work fine as well. A friend of mine has an Eden setup - no clue on the models, sorry - and that one took the Sidewinder with no sighing either. I would *presume* that most newer amps and cabs - mid price tier and above - would be just fine. My own amp collection includes a circa '71 Carlsbro 100TC (valve/tube), Polytone 101 1x15" combo (SS) and SWR Studio 220 (hybrid) and all of them play well with the mighty Mudbucker, as does the '90s Trace Elliot stack in my club of choice.

Apologies for the long-winded post, hope it helped at least a bit.

My $0.02 only...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! I have 2 EV15L in TL606 cabs still very highly regarded but heavy buggers extended top end clarity.

GHS Pressure Wounds...I dumped the LaBella flats the E was all thud but may try some stainless rounds next for kicks.

I don't know if you've played thru GK 800RB but it can get very trebly and clean especially thru the EV15L pair and the whole EQ section is remarkable.....no one would know its a mudbucker if I could make a clip!

Always lower the mudbucker if possible which can be a challenge.... I've seen EB-0 with the pickup a bit too close and yes I lowered mine a bit from the factory measurement too close is too dirty.

I have a modern Acoustic 8x10 a sealed cab that I reinforced inside with front to back and side to side bracing...since it is a big open sealed cab, it is not crucial on cabinet volume like a ported cabinet.

I like the Dewar sound as well I saw Trower at Arrowhead in KC don't know what Dewar played that night but have seen good videos of him playing an EB bass....I do like Fraser tone it's more tuba tone where Felix and Jack gritty.

Yes I have lowered the bass volume at times but it's not necessary after I got the pickup lowered a bit and played the clean rig.
 
#10
When I started out, it was on a 61 Newport with the mudbucker right up against the fretboard, and I can tell you that NO amplifier can make it stop being a mudbucker.
My first amps were big Valco tube amps, and they did a better job than most other amps of taming the mud. Later I tried switching to a big 18 inch folded horn set up and it made things worse!
Ultimately only 2 things tamed the beast.
1. Round wound strings
2. An EQ
Rotosounds and a little MXR 5 band EQ made things much better until I finally switched to other basses, other amps.
 
#11
DavidEdenAria said:
If this is the wrong section mods can you move it?

I'm curious what the mudbucker players use for an amp and specifically real mudbucker basses but if not please specify what bass and pickups into what bass amp.

My bud has a SVT rig and it is very limiting with my 65 Epiphone Newport as an example the mudbucker drives it too hard and EQ didn't fit well either...strings are GHS Pressure Wounds.

So far my GK 800RB with the preamp and drive way down and master dimed is my favorite sound.

Way more clarity and enough top end and I can vary the EQ quite a bit and still great clean clarity.

It's obvious why the 800RB is a standard but I slightly prefer my Eden Metro with other basses....2 very different amps obviously.

Not to say other Ampeg rigs wouldn't sound way cleaner and more EQ available and the SVT does deliver the classic heavy distorted sound but it's not versatile enough IMHO.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
My guess is that your 800RB is going to be one of your best options as its inherent clarity (particularly with some of its "boost" control mixed in to the overall EQ) is legendary.
 
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#13
ajkula66 said:
There's a lot more here than meets the eye/ear, but I'll start with stating that the amp itself is the least likely culprit here...apologies for what is going to be a fairly long read/essay/thesis...

Electronics. An average '60s Sidewinder/Mudbucker reads 28-32K, which in itself is not a friendly environment for upper mids and highs, especially given the pickup location itself. Presuming that the Newport is wired the same way as the EB-0, there are two caps in the circuit: 0.33 and 0.1. The latter one needs to be removed for the bass to start breathing a little bit. It still won't be anyone's first choice for a Level 42 tribute band, but the sonic picture will improve markedly IMO/IME. See here: Gibson EB0 bass circuitry and wiring information >> FlyGuitars

Output volume. I almost never play any Sidewinder-equipped bass with volume above 8, with 7 being my preferred choice 90% of the time. This is where the sound becomes more mellow and pleasant, at least to my ears. Do bear in mind that I prefer a clean sound, and am not into Bruce/Pappalardi/Fraser types of tone. Late Jim Dewar's "round but clean yet deep" sound with Robin Trower is much more my cup of tea.

Playing style. A *very* light right hand is a must.

Strings. No flats. Sorry TB. I've head good experiences with DR Hi-Beams (SS), Stringjoy and SIT NPS offerings. My current choice are La Bella White Nylons in 60-115 gauge. Obviously, YMMV and heavily so.

Cabinet. By and large far more important than the amp itself in my book. I don't think that the vintage Ampeg fridges pair well with Sidewinders whatsoever. The amp itself - when played through a different cab - should behave far more friendly. My experience with vintage cabs (Marshall/Orange/Sound City 4x12"/120W, Bassman 2x15" and 4x12") hasn't been all that great regardless of the amp(s) involved. Somewhat newer - let's say from late 70s on - cabinets tolerate the low end a lot better IME. Current "fridges" may be fine as well, I've never used one myself.

Amps. Your original question, half an hour later... :roflmao:... I'm not keen on the vintage Bassman range but have recently played a session through a '66 blackface Dual Showman running through an Altec 421-loaded cab and it was a nice vintage sound, albeit on the quiet side. Having said that, most Trace Elliot and SWR "heavy iron" rigs will work fine as well. A friend of mine has an Eden setup - no clue on the models, sorry - and that one took the Sidewinder with no sighing either. I would *presume* that most newer amps and cabs - mid price tier and above - would be just fine. My own amp collection includes a circa '71 Carlsbro 100TC (valve/tube), Polytone 101 1x15" combo (SS) and SWR Studio 220 (hybrid) and all of them play well with the mighty Mudbucker, as does the '90s Trace Elliot stack in my club of choice.

Apologies for the long-winded post, hope it helped at least a bit.

My $0.02 only...
Click to expand...
Genuine question here: it looks to me like you're doing quite a bit to go against the typical mudbucker vibe. Why not just get a pickup that suits the sound you're going for more naturally?
 
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#18
Jack said:
Genuine question here: it looks to me like you're doing quite a bit to go against the typical mudbucker vibe. Why not just get a pickup that suits the sound you're going for more naturally?
Click to expand...

A genuine answer: my # 1 bass that happens to sport a Mudbucker is the most inspiring four stringer that I've ever owned, and I've been through hundreds of them over the past 45+ years. I like a tamed-down, kinder Sidewinder...hey that even rhymes... :laugh:

Additionally, my playing style is what it is - light touch and all that jazz - regardless of which bass I'm playing. My dislike for flats is a matter of personal taste and has much more to do with the feel than with the sound itself.

Also, there isn't just one sound that I'm going after, but a variety of different ones. If you've got nothing better to do, click on the link in my signature and listen to some of my music. It should give you a better grasp of what I'm talking about.
 
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