Hi all, I play in a band that’s covering lots of 90s alternative/pop/rock songs, one of which is No Rain by Blind Melon. It’s a fun song to play, but the more I listen to the original recording the more I’ve tried to figure out how the bassist gets that tone. I know he’s playing through a jazz bass but beyond that I’m at a loss. Any suggestions?
Just going from my memory -- it's been a while since I have heard that song on a good sound system -- I'd say favor the neck pickup and pluck close to the neck.
I remember covering that song back in the day and digging that whole album, basically because of Brad Smith. Great tone and a great player.
Wondered this myself recently. Seems like played with a pick on the recording. From Blind Melon - No Rain | Wiki @ Ultimate-Guitar.com Brad Smith Brad used his Fender '69 Jazz Bass with EMG pickups. Brad run his Jazz Bass through a tube direct box and a '70s Ampeg SVT miked with an EV-PL20. Amp settings Gain - 1 Treble - 4 Mids - 4 Bass - 1 Volume - 8-9
Active pickups would help. Use a pick just below the neck. I just tried a Stingray 4HH and a 5 string with EMG soapbars. Trim back on the bridge pickup. I have nickel rounds on them. Fun song.
As I mentioned, I have a PJ that copped that tone, and it sounds like the EMGs in his jazz bass duplicates the thickness of a P pickup. It's been a long time since I've heard the tune, but I never noticed the slight fuzz.
Definitely top 2 hardest songs I had to sing when I was vocalist of a 90s alternative group....it’s a unique voice to say the least.
After listening to the isolated bass track posted above, to me, there’s nothing remarkable about that tone. It sounds like a Jazz Bass with new round wound strings. I can easily get that tone with my stock Squier Affinity Jazz V.
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