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Prog Rock Amps
- Thread starter Maleikbassist
- Start date
The tone I'm talkin' about is a more trebly sound with a solid low end and clean, but has the ability to crunch a little when using an aggressive playing technique
It's just a matter of EQing that trebly sound into your tone stack and finding the right crunch.
Any number of Preamp/DIs can get that tone.
Did some more digging this morning. Apparently for the Lamb tour, Mike used an effects dry and an effects wet Acoustic 370 each through a 201 cabinet. He used a hiwatt 50 for his guitar. It was a double neck Rick.
Also, take into consideration, most of the old prog bassists used basses with humbuckers (be it Rick, EB-0/3, or P-Bass), and played with picks. This is where a lot of that smooth low with agressive slightly gritty treble comes from. Combine that with driving power tubes into saturation for high volume from small amps, and there you have the old prog bass tone.
Also, take into consideration, most of the old prog bassists used basses with humbuckers (be it Rick, EB-0/3, or P-Bass), and played with picks. This is where a lot of that smooth low with agressive slightly gritty treble comes from. Combine that with driving power tubes into saturation for high volume from small amps, and there you have the old prog bass tone.
I'd be all for testing out pedals/preamps/DIs, but I'd really like to have a simple rig, as in not relying on preamps. The only things I'd like to use as far as pedals are my Big Muff and Digitech Synth wah (I also wouldn't mind adding a delay pedal and/or a chorus pedal, as they would be of use at points, as well as making my previous purchase of a "One Spot" more justified). I'd really like to have my main sound be completely Bass -> Head -> Cab
I've been listening to prog now for a couple of years, most notably ELP, Pink Floyd(although I'd agree that they aren't 100% prog), Genesis, as well as a few others that have that prog feel to it. I really dig the types of tones and sounds that they go for such as the high trebles, high gain, aggressive picking. I've had some luck recreating some of my favorite tones with my rig, but not completely satisfied. Did some research, found that the Hiwatt's were what a few of them used, as well as some go sounds from the classic Bassman heads. While I'd have no problem getting a vintage head, I'd think I'd like to find a cheaper route. Was considering trying to find a Bassman 50-100 watt on ebay. Also was wondering if anyone knew of a good modern made amp that could make those classic Hiwatt/Bassman Prog Rock bass tones. Any help in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!
I think it's relevant to make a distinction here, between style & substance.
The major reason, IMHO, why progressive rock bass guitar sounds from the golden years of the progressive rock "era" (late 60s through late 70s) tends to be so heavily-rooted in lo-fi amp & cabs, such as Ampeg, Sunn & Fender, is simply because of the relative scarcity of alternatives at the time. Progressive rock bassists largely played that gear because there wasn't much else from which to choose at the time.
But if you're talking about the actual spirit & substance of progressive rock music, however, that is much more philosophically aligned with modern, hi-fi, high performance bass gear, I would argue. The great irony, it seems to me, is that the golden heyday of progressive rock has already come and gone (at least until it makes a return).
We're talking about many brands which had not yet been invented. So in terms of amp heads, that would include Trace Elliot (the original pre-Gibson), Genz Benz, Phil Jones Bass, Markbass, Tecamp, Glockenklang, Thunderfunk, TC Electronic (at least in terms of features & functions, if not actual tone), etc. In terms of cabs, many of the current boutique-quality makes would apply, such as Acme, AudioKinesis, fEARless/fEARful, Baer, Barefaced, Bergantino, Epifani, Big E, and so on.
When I think of the term "progressive rock" or "progressive music" generally, I think not of a style, genre or sub-genre frozen in time forever, but as a philosophical and conceptual approach to making music that is by its nature forward-looking and envelope-pushing. Because that is the nature of progression.
MM
I play prog and prog metal exclusively with ESP LTD 6's... Sounds great for originals and covers (Dream Theater, Rush, Yes, Vai, ELP, etc.)
I dial in my own sound and don't use Trace pre-shaping; my 12 band EQ let's me get any sound I need.
Link Removed
I dial in my own sound and don't use Trace pre-shaping; my 12 band EQ let's me get any sound I need.
Link Removed
I think it's relevant to make a distinction here, between style & substance.
The major reason, IMHO, why progressive rock bass guitar sounds from the golden years of the progressive rock "era" (late 60s through late 70s) tends to be so heavily-rooted in lo-fi amp & cabs, such as Ampeg, Sunn & Fender, is simply because of the relative scarcity of alternatives at the time. Progressive rock bassists largely played that gear because there wasn't much else from which to choose at the time.
But if you're talking about the actual spirit & substance of progressive rock music, however, that is much more philosophically aligned with modern, hi-fi, high performance bass gear, I would argue. The great irony, it seems to me, is that the golden heyday of progressive rock has already come and gone (at least until it makes a return).
We're talking about many brands which had not yet been invented. So in terms of amp heads, that would include Trace Elliot (the original pre-Gibson), Genz Benz, Phil Jones Bass, Markbass, Tecamp, Glockenklang, Thunderfunk, TC Electronic (at least in terms of features & functions, if not actual tone), etc. In terms of cabs, many of the current boutique-quality makes would apply, such as Acme, AudioKinesis, fEARless/fEARful, Baer, Barefaced, Bergantino, Epifani, Big E, and so on.
When I think of the term "progressive rock" or "progressive music" generally, I think not of a style, genre or sub-genre frozen in time forever, but as a philosophical and conceptual approach to making music that is by its nature forward-looking and envelope-pushing. Because that is the nature of progression.
MM
It's harder to say, where I haven't really looked into any of those brands really, but I'd like to buy into a product knowing that it'll put out exactly the kind of sound I want, that's why I'm kinda leaning more towards the Bassman. And also that someone mentioned the Sunn 300t earlier, I'd be eager to look into that and try playing one.
If you want something lightweight, check out the Genz Benz Streamliner. It's really tubey sounding for a hybrid, and has a gain boost switch for extra raunch.
When I think of a 60-70's rock (prog and otherwise) I think of Ampeg and Sunn. Today I would add Orange and Mesa into the picture as they each have great, distinctive tube sounds. Plenty of others to look at as well, including everything that's been mentioned previously.
The most important thing is how the amp sounds when you play your own bass through it. Strings, pickups, and technique all have a huge impact on how the amp responds to you.
Take your time and try out a lot of gear. Most of all, have fun doing it.
The most important thing is how the amp sounds when you play your own bass through it. Strings, pickups, and technique all have a huge impact on how the amp responds to you.
Take your time and try out a lot of gear. Most of all, have fun doing it.
I saw Genesis throughout that era, first saw them when they were just a nobody opening act in April 1972.
At that time Mike used an Acoustic 360/361, at least it was visible on stage the first time I saw Genesis. After that most of the amps were hidden behind stage sets/props, so I do not know how long he used that amp afterwards.I don't feel the amp is the important element in getting the "prog rock" sound; for one example, Chris Squire has used Fender, Ampeg, Sunn, Marshall, SWR (and maybe others, too) amps through his career and all did the job just fine.
One element that I do feel helps in the sound are Rickenbacker and, occasionally, Jazz Basses.
M. Owen Santy
Inactive
- Aug 10, 2011
- 274
- 6
- Disclosures
- Michael Tobias Designs Kingston Series & Traynor Amps Artist
Look at Traynors. Solid State = DB400 or 800 (depends on power needed). Tube amps, The YBA200-2 Is a great 200W all tube head Very SVT like, is affordable & easily customized with tubes to your liking. The YBA300 Is much more powerful but completely different animal. Great clean headroom and more refined. All the tube heads are very old school sounding.
To me the Traynor stuff are serious sleepers. They don't make anything under 300w that I would not gig with and have no worries whatsoever.
To me the Traynor stuff are serious sleepers. They don't make anything under 300w that I would not gig with and have no worries whatsoever.
I saw Genesis throughout that era, first saw them when they were just a nobody opening act in April 1972.
I don't feel the amp is the important element in getting the "prog rock" sound; for one example, Chris Squire has used Fender, Ampeg, Sunn, Marshall, SWR (and maybe others, too) amps through his career and all did the job just fine.
One element that I do feel helps in the sound are Rickenbacker and, occasionally, Jazz Basses.
Yeah I noticed that with Genesis. And I would totally love to try out a rickenbacker
Only suggestion I have is if you go the Fender route to look into a PA 135 - "135w" (100w 
) and can be had for under $500, often under $400.
) and can be had for under $500, often under $400.
Hmm sounds interesting. Now speaking in terms of availability, which would be easiest to get with the best price, or which would be easiest to come by. A vintage bassman, Vintage Hiwatt, Sunn 300t, or Fender PA 135?
The bassman with the easiest to find, and may be a bit cheaper. Next would be the Sunn 300t. They seem to be a bit more sought after, though, and carry a bit more price for it. The Fender PA is available and fairly cheap since the are not very sought after. The Hiwatt will carry a price and be more rare.
