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need some advise

i am a bedroom player. i play along to my cds. i buy the song book and learn the song. i play note fore note. i try to match the tone of the origional recording. so between songs i play with my settins for the upcomin song. now heres my question. when playin out and coverin many different songs what do you do about tone? do you try to match it? do you set it once and just play. pedals? i have never played out but was tryin to figure out what i do in that situation if it ever should come up.
 
Nope don't try to match another bass players or bands sound, it's near impossible anyway.
So, I get the sound I like and go with it. I do adjust my technique to add dynamics, plucking strength and different fingers, use a pick, mute and slap.
It helps to have a bass that sounds good with little treble and not to harsh with increased treble (or in the high mid range area).
 
Tone is an ongoing journey. Not every tone willwork in every setting. HOWEVER, 90% of your tone is in your hands and how you play your instrument. Your gear and EQ settings have less to do with your tone than how you play your bass. That being said, to go from a rock tone to an R&B tone (even mid-song) should NOT require a quick tweaking. Thats my take on it. Continue your studying. It will help you more than most other things you can possibly do.