• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Slapping on a GK

A

AlphaMale

Oct 30, 2006
1,792
1
Ventura County
#1
I think we all know GK has an awesome tone for playing especially for defined and full tones. But it seems like for slapping it lacks literally too much luster (brilliance) to give a good slap tone. I've tried on a 3 band EQ and a 4 Band EQ and and a bass with a 2 Band EQ and I still can't get a good slap tone on it. Even if I follow the book the slap tone is sub-par.

I use a Invalid Link Removed

I'm pretty sure. IT was bought as a stack with one big speaker but I'm sure it's not the brat pack.
 
#5
No, it is not fallacy. You give me that amp and I'll get a brilliant slap tone out of it.

My advice...throw the book out and use your ears. I get the best slap tones from amps just by leaving them flat.
 
#7
koentje_bassist said:
GK's are monsters for slapping. But I like high, crispy tones in my slapping. Work with the contour and presence. Those are the most forgotten knobs on a GK.
Click to expand...
Everyone's entitled to their own opinions, but if I owned GK, those knobs would be removed. They should be called "suckage" and "ultra-suckage" IMHO ;) Then again, I'm much more into darker slap sounds like old Larry Graham and early 70's funk.
 
#10
Nikoubis said:
I suppose you can't get a decent slap tone out of a stingray either? :p

Seriously, I SUCK at slapping, but on a GK even I have been able to get a great slap tone, without even touching contour and presence.
Click to expand...

I wish I could get a MM-ish tone out of the GK.
I'm not getting a bad slap tone, just a one thats not great. And then I have used the contour but I don't think I have a presence knob.
 
#12
The problem that you have is that you own a Backline Series GK, which is the lower model of GK amps. I own both a GK Backline 115 and a GK 700rbII and the 700rbII is a slap monster. It's plenty bright, almost too bright, for slapping and popping. The Backlines are pretty much a basic GK amp with no biamping or special features, except maybe a distortion channel.

Another thing you may consider is your settings on your bass, whether it has an active or passive preamp, you can tweak it to get a better tone. Also, look and see if your speaker cab has a tweeter horn. If it does then crank it up so you can get some highs out of it. The problem may lie in your pickups or preamp also. There's way too many things to consider before just pointing the finger at the amp and blaming it. Try a set of stainless steel strings if you haven't already. They'll bring out some punch and brightness from your bass.

Just start experimenting bro. You'll find that there's more options available at your fingertips than you thought.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back