Overkill/DD Verni bass sound

[iSteen]

I grew up on bands like Overkill, Exodus, Anthrax etc. and always like the way the bass sounded on many thrash bands - a "ringing" clanky tone.
Anyone knows if it's the amp settings, effects or string action that brings out that tone?

Tommy Goober from Toy Dolls has his own way of getting a very unique sound, very low string action ;-)

 

[Foxprowl]

DD Verni's sound is referred to as "Klank". There are Youtube videos about his sound.

 

[Warlock_Surfer]

Compression is your friend.

 

[AEVAREX]

My rout to DD verni tone is mostly SS strings- I use DR loriders, low action and compression. Goal in setup is even clank and rattle across the fretboard. When I do my setups for said clank and rattle I do it unplugged. If it doesn't get you the gritty sound unplugged your going to have a hard time getting it from just compression and EQ settings in my experience. Unless you go with getting it all from a dirt/overdrive. Though I feel getting it all from a dirt pedal can take away from the ability to control it as much via technique.

 

[ERIC31]

I dig that DD Verni clank! Some other metal bands lose the bass in the mix but not Overkill. You can always hear him. Years Of Decay is my number 1 Overkill record!

 

[MrAB4003]

I grew up on bands like Overkill, Exodus, Anthrax etc. and always like the way the bass sounded on many thrash bands - a "ringing" clanky tone.
Anyone knows if it's the amp settings, effects or string action that brings out that tone?

Tommy Goober from Toy Dolls has his own way of getting a very unique sound, very low string action ;-)

DD played a Rickenbacker 4001 with stock pickups from 1980 until about 1987 or 1988. You can hear his 4001 on Overkill's first two albums. The intro to "Powersurge" from Taking Over is a great example.

In 1987 or 1988, he invented his signature bass tone, "the Clank", and changed metal bass tone forever. Starting on Under the Influence (1988), he played a BC Rich Warlock with EMG P pickups. You can hear the Clank in its full glory on songs like "Head First" and "Drunken Widsom" from Under the Influence. Lately, he still uses EMGs, but he switched to J pickups.

If you're not into metal, check out DD Verni's Cadillac Band, which is trad jazz with DD playing a Gretsch guitar and singing.

 

[Aidenn7]

to get the clang clank get an expander pedal