P bass tone-help?

[MtManiac]

I can plug a Jazz into a flower pot and get a good sound. Not so the P.

In a mix, or played solo?

 

[David Jayne]

In a mix, or played solo?

Both. I understand the "P basses sounds wonky solo but it works in the mix" explanation. But I find that if it sounds good solo, it sounds good in the mix too. And if it sounds wonky solo, it sounds that way in the mix. I've gigged it a bunch of times, recorded with it several times. And I always get a good tone with my large rig, and never with the small one. I'm pretty sure the Epi cab just isn't for me. The MB head sounds great through the SWR cabs but can't push them enough. OTOH it's loud as heck with the UL310 but sounds awful. So I think I'll be looking for a different lightweight cab-one with a smoother, more 'SWR-like' sound-the Epi cab is very strong in the upper mids. Meanwhile I'll be shlepping the big rig.

 

[jufros]

I'm in love with my P right now. It's just working too well with my current band. My advice: play to its strengths if you EQ. 250 instead of 400 focus makes a world of difference. Gotta be all about the fundamental and abandon all attempts at "brilliant" tone. The J is brighter, the P is thumpier, use them accordingly. PS: I play flats on my P and rounds on my P/J and Dynabass (pretty J sounding).

 

[David Jayne]

Solved. It's the UL310. Had an A/B fest last night. Goliath+Markbass or sled rig= P bass sounds great. Gonna have to go downtown and try a Golight-I think I'm just an SWR kinda guy. Thanks for the ideas, people.

 

[Eminor3rd]

I've always said a P-Bass has two sounds: treble on, and treble off.

The tones it possesses are quite good and versatile tones, but it won't be able to hide the fact that it's a P bass, no matter what you do.

 

[David Jayne]

In no way am I trying to 'hide' the sound. It just doesn't sound 'good' with the Epi cab, that's all. My Jazz sounds better with the Goliath too. A lot better. Hint-hint.
I tend to run the tone knob about half. Works for me.

 

[Eminor3rd]

In no way am I trying to 'hide' the sound. It just doesn't sound 'good' with the Epi cab, that's all. My Jazz sounds better with the Goliath too. A lot better. Hint-hint.
I tend to run the tone knob about half. Works for me.

Gotcha.

Yeah i use a Goliath, too, and did when I was using a P Bass. But yeah, as a testament to the same experience you're having, the only Fender I still own is a Jazz Bass

 

[seanm]

In no way am I trying to 'hide' the sound. It just doesn't sound 'good' with the Epi cab, that's all.

Interesting. I've never had, and probably never will , the chance to try the EPI cabs. I bet they do most of their testing with a Jazz bass.

 

[David Jayne]

Interesting. I've never had, and probably never will , the chance to try the EPI cabs. I bet they do most of their testing with a Jazz bass.

I don't mean to throw Epifani under the bus. Lots and lots of us love their stuff.
It does sound a lot better with a Jazz, or double humbucker type bass, IMO. The P has a certain midrange presence that the Epi cab exaggerates too much, to my ears. YMMV.