Slap Make/Model recognition exercise

[Roscoe62]

I'm trying to recognise the different slap tones that are characteristic of different makes of basses out there. I'm looking to buy a bass soon for slapping and I thought this might be a fun (and educational) exercise to go through.

Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great slap tone, but what I'm looking for are EXAMPLES of what that tone sounds like. I.e. what make of bass is used by an artist on an album....and what track(s) on that album give a good example of what that bass sounds like when slapped.

From a shortlist of say:
Fender Jazz
MM Stingray
Warwick Corvette (standard or FNA Jazzman)
Peavey Cirrus

Can you think of an artist/album/track where one of these instruments is used for slap? If so, NAME IT! Or if you've got another contender then put down the details where you can hear it! Places like Amazon often have samples to listen to, and if the album sounds great I could just go & buy it!

I haven't got a great selection of basses to choose from in my city so I thought this might be a great way of hearing what these instruments actually sound like. That way I can just have a really good listen and see what tone I prefer.

Other things like playability & price are important factors, but at least knowing what the tone is like makes making a decision easier.

Any help/advice/contributions greatly appreciated!

 

[Figjam]

Id just like to suggest that if youre looking into a stingray, id suggest a Sterling. It is more ergonomicly pleasing than a stingray, and the electronics are better.

 

[Roscoe62]

Thank you for that. I will bear that in mind.

However, I'd love to hear what one SOUNDS like. Any ideas for an album/track where I could hear one played?

I guess that's the point I'm trying to get at with this post.

 

[gazman_res]

Bass: Stingray
Band: Rage Against the Machine
Album: Rage Against the Machine
Song: Take the power back
Track: No. 3
Amp: SWR

I don't think you can get a better audio 'picture' of what a MM Stingray sounds like. Also you might wanna check out Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea played a Stingray on the album one hot minute. Aeroplane is a good slappers track.

Sorry i couldnt help with the rest.

 

[sargebaker]

Id just like to suggest that if youre looking into a stingray, id suggest a Sterling. It is more ergonomicly pleasing than a stingray, and the electronics are better.

I don't know if you can really say that. Ergonomically better for you maybe but some people don't like the pencil thin necks, small bodies etc. And I'm not too sure if the electronics are "better"

 

[Figjam]

I don't know if you can really say that. Ergonomically better for you maybe but some people don't like the pencil thin necks, small bodies etc. And I'm not too sure if the electronics are "better"

I view the electronics as better because with mine i can get the stingray tone, and more, but i guess they are 'different'.

 

[Roscoe62]

gazman_res,

Thanks for the track advice! I do remember being very impressed with Rollercoaster! I'll be sure to check out the RATM album!

Anyone offer any track/artist suggestions for the "classic" Fender Jazz slap tone? It's often recommended here for slap.

I also see the Peavey Cirrus pop up a lot.

Keep 'em coming!

 

[Fret-less Six]

Yeah on roller coaster, Flea plays an Alembic Excel or Epic, its one of the two...I think THE slap tone can come from any instrument with an ash body, and a maple neck/fretboard...oh yeah its gotta have either J-pickups or a MM humbucker

 

[Figjam]

Can't get the sound of my 2 band eq!

True that

 

[sargebaker]

yeah, different is the word. I personally dig the Sterling alot! But i think I preferred the bongo..

Link Removed then go to videos, check out the Louis Johnson one (Ray) Marcus (Jazz, but pretty unique tone),

 

[Figjam]

I have yet to hear a fretted bongo, ive heard a fretless SC/H and it sounded sweet.

 

[sargebaker]

I have yet to hear a fretted bongo, ive heard a fretless SC/H and it sounded sweet.

where did u hear it? If u have it on your comp or a site can you post the url please.

 

[Figjam]

On the EB forum http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6332

 

[Papersen]

gazman_res,

Anyone offer any track/artist suggestions for the "classic" Fender Jazz slap tone? It's often recommended here for slap.

I also see the Peavey Cirrus pop up a lot.

Keep 'em coming!

Fender Jazz:
Marcus Miller: Panther, Rampage or Teen Town, from "The Sun don`t lie"
Les Claypool: "Tommy the cat (live)" from Rhinoplasty (Primus)


Peavey Cirrus:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126970&highlight=wankfunk
By our dear Secret Donkey

MM Sterling
Dave Larue: "Stressfest" (Steve Morse Band)

I find these are good examples of typical tones of those basses.

 

[Roscoe62]

Papersen,

Thanks for those pointers.
That's a great start towards what I'm looking for.

The only other one that may be a contender for me is the Warwick Cirrus (standard). Can anyone think of a track where they KNOW this bass is used (pref. slap)

Cheers!

 

[Roscoe62]

BTW....just out of curiousity - what's the difference between a Fender Jazz & the MM version?

 

[LowEndLobster]

It's not really the bass as much as how you slap it.

 

[PilbaraBass]

It's hard just to state a sound by stating a bass/player/band/song situation.

Different players sound different....the same player sounds different in different bands...the same player sounds different on different recordings, too

IT'S JUST SO DARN SUBJECTIVE! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

 

[Roscoe62]

Whafrodamus & PilbaraBass,

I hear what you're saying, but even then I believe there are still reasonably good tone indicators that are true of a particular instrument regardless of who's playing. Each bass will have a range of tones and many will overlap a little, but I'm guessing there are still a lot of bass players out there who can listen to a track and say "That's probably a Fender Jazz" or "I'm betting that's a Peavey Cirrus" etc. They may not be correct, but that to me is still a good tone indicator. I'm always open to correction however.

 

[Cerb]

Papersen,

Thanks for those pointers.
That's a great start towards what I'm looking for.

The only other one that may be a contender for me is the Warwick Cirrus (standard). Can anyone think of a track where they KNOW this bass is used (pref. slap)

Cheers!

The Warwick Cirrus, eh?