Stoner/Doom Bassists Thread, Part 90: Maxed Out

[kleinenenten]

No comment there really, I tend to do everything on my 5er. I don't really do 4 string basses other than specific songs that call for a fretted bass/pick/that sound.

On a different topic, I have been starting to play around with A standard tuning, which is been friggen awesome. Not sure if i'll be using it anytime soon, but its super heavy.

That’s what I’ve thought, too. My 5 is my preferred bass. Downtuning a whole step (A standard) is a very real possibility. I know I’ll do standard, 1/2 step down, and maybe a drop tune. The whole step drop is certainly up there too. You know, for all those times I NEED to bust out some Korn...

 

[lucas303]

First world problem time - I have 4 guitars, and will set them up for various tunings and scenarios. I want 4 basses, so that I can match tunings etc. and be ready to make a complementary riff on any instrument at a moment’s notice. I need to to purchase a single bass to make this happen. I have two 6 string guitars, and two 7 string guitars. I have a 4, 5, and 6 string bass. Do I get a 4 string, knowing that I have 2 extended range guitars and 2 extended range basses? Do I get a 5 string knowing that I like going nice and low sometimes (relative to the guitar part)? Convince me one way or another. I have time lately, and I figure I can waste some on frivolous stuff. Though I did write an and record a complete song today, even if it’s a bit rough.

What tuning would the new bass be in?

 

[Novarocker]

@kleinenenten, good Q, what tuning? Also are you looking to have a similar sound to your other basses, or a different/unique sound?

It's neither stoner nor doom, but I can't get enough of the bass tone on this:

Anyone have any ideas about how to get there?

Only got to listen on my phone but I hear a lot of high mids. Dense mix though on a phone, tough to really say.

 

[Flamingo21]

It's neither stoner nor doom, but I can't get enough of the bass tone on this:

Anyone have any ideas about how to get there?

I'm listening over good headphones, and I still don't find it easy to figure out. Seems to me the bass has an interesting (and uncommon to me) growl to it.

Sorry, wouldn't know how to get there.

 

[lucas303]

@kleinenenten, good Q, what tuning? Also are you looking to have a similar sound to your other basses, or a different/unique sound?



Only got to listen on my phone but I hear a lot of high mids. Dense mix though on a phone, tough to really say.

I'm listening over good headphones, and I still don't find it easy to figure out. Seems to me the bass has an interesting (and uncommon to me) growl to it.

Sorry, wouldn't know how to get there.

After it was too late for me to delete my post I realized I should try just contacting the guy directly. Here's what he had to say about it:

I play a MM ernie ball sterling 5s.

I use a decent interface -> 3 separate bass tracks. One using Grind Machine amp sim/impulses, one just Cubase vst amp rack ("wet"), another vst amp rack ("subbass"). Huge high pass to shape the last one, and parallel multiband compression on everything to bring out desired areas.

Maxxbass and compress the poopie out of the 0-80hz range on the master bus to keep things tight.

 

[Flamingo21]

Don't beat yourself up for not having guessed all that.

 

[lucas303]

Don't beat yourself up for not having guessed all that.

Oh I'm not. I just could've avoided cluttering up this thread with more of my mostly-off-topic nonsense. (And yes I realize that this post is itself even more of my usual mostly-off-topic nonsense.)

 

[Flamingo21]

(And yes I realize that this post is itself even more of my usual mostly-off-topic nonsense.)

Just as long as you know.

 

[kleinenenten]

Tuning would be either 1/2 or whole step down. But it really depends on how I like how it compares to my other guitars. It may be standard! It may come down to aesthetics - if I see a bass that really pops visually to me and checks all of my boxes, that could do it.

 

[Novarocker]

Tuning would be either 1/2 or whole step down. But it really depends on how I like how it compares to my other guitars. It may be standard! It may come down to aesthetics - if I see a bass that really pops visually to me and checks all of my boxes, that could do it.

That's kinda how it is for me. Been on the fence for a Tribute Kiloton, and now Sweetwater carries em...the Irish ale color is so damn good, it might be the first bass I'd be into with a maple fb.

 

[lucas303]

Tuning would be either 1/2 or whole step down. But it really depends on how I like how it compares to my other guitars. It may be standard! It may come down to aesthetics - if I see a bass that really pops visually to me and checks all of my boxes, that could do it.

Maybe go for something way different from your other basses? Since it looks like you have a thing for Ibanez (nothing wrong with that) maybe throw one of the short scale Talmans into the mix?

 

[kleinenenten]

Maybe go for something way different from your other basses? Since it looks like you have a thing for Ibanez (nothing wrong with that) maybe throw one of the short scale Talmans into the mix?

I had thought that, too, and nearly bought one of the recent Mezzos. Loved how they look, and sounded good in a quick test at GC. But the short scale worries me. I want a solid low end, and if I downtune a shortscale... There’s actually a dirt cheap EX series bass local, but it has issues (output cuts out, and owner isn’t sure if it’s cab, cable, or amp related) isn’t a color I really like, and I’m currently knew-deep into trying to figure out a wonky pre in another bass. But I love the EX series looks - basically an RG series bass. It’s only a 4, but it would work. I also have a line on an affordable SRX 5 string. Those have always looked good, and sounded good from what I recall. It’s got tarnished chrome, but that can be polished, right?

So basically, dirt cheap 4 with potential functional issues that I may want to refinish, or affordable 5 with aesthetic problems. I’m leaning towards the 5, mostly because I like 5s, but it’s not that much different from my current stable...

Like I said, first world problem for sure.

 

[lucas303]

I had thought that, too, and nearly bought one of the recent Mezzos. Loved how they look, and sounded good in a quick test at GC. But the short scale worries me. I want a solid low end, and if I downtune a shortscale... There’s actually a dirt cheap EX series bass local, but it has issues (output cuts out, and owner isn’t sure if it’s cab, cable, or amp related) isn’t a color I really like, and I’m currently knew-deep into trying to figure out a wonky pre in another bass. But I love the EX series looks - basically an RG series bass. It’s only a 4, but it would work. I also have a line on an affordable SRX 5 string. Those have always looked good, and sounded good from what I recall. It’s got tarnished chrome, but that can be polished, right?

So basically, dirt cheap 4 with potential functional issues that I may want to refinish, or affordable 5 with aesthetic problems. I’m leaning towards the 5, mostly because I like 5s, but it’s not that much different from my current stable...

Like I said, first world problem for sure.

A short scale won't be lacking for low end. If anything, it will have less of the higher harmonics.

 

[xJasonSmithx]

Anyone using compressors with their dirt tones? I owned a Milk Box for a very short time but never really used it in a band setting.

 

[kleinenenten]

A short scale won't be lacking for low end. If anything, it will have less of the higher harmonics.

Won’t it be floppy, though? I play a lot of faster death metal/thrash stuff and would prefer a tension that lets me know where the string will be at a certain point

 

[kleinenenten]

Anyone using compressors with their dirt tones? I owned a Milk Box for a very short time but never really used it in a band setting.

Yes - Milk Box actually! I use it to give just a bit more highs to my tone - I use flats, so it’s great to add a bit of highs and definition with the high knob (or whatever it’s called). I wish they would have reissued the Milk Box.

 

[rutrho]

Won’t it be floppy, though? I play a lot of faster death metal/thrash stuff and would prefer a tension that lets me know where the string will be at a certain point

I think that depends more on the string gauge and flats vs rounds vs whatever. On the other side of it, short scales might not do it for ya. The talmans are kinda cool basses though...

 

[lucas303]

Won’t it be floppy, though? I play a lot of faster death metal/thrash stuff and would prefer a tension that lets me know where the string will be at a certain point

The only short scale I've spent a lot of time with is the five-string Mikro, and that's REALLY short scale. And I've only used rounds on it.

If your lowest string is going to be E, I wouldn't call it floppy. Currently I have mine tuned E to C and I think it feels just right. With a low B string, I still wouldn't say it's super floppy, but that's going to be a really subjective call for you. For some the stock B string might be too floppy...I don't know. But rutrho makes a good point about the choice of strings being a big factor. Maybe @JohnArnson will pop back in and comment...he uses a Mikro.

If you have even a passing interest in a short scale I think it would be worth trying something like the Talman out once brick and mortar stores open their doors again. I've also messed with the Gretsch G2220 a few times and had a lot of fun with it, so I'd recommend at least giving that a look.

 

[BurtMacklinFBI]

With regards to short scales, that Gibson Les Paul DC Too Many Fvcking Names bass that was super cheap at Guitar Center a few weeks back is pretty sweet. Definitely a thick, fat sound, though you can get some more treble bite with the coil tap. Worth considering.

 

[Novarocker]

Those mezzos are medium scale IIRC. I barely notice any tension difference from 32" to 34" but that may just be me.

Some 32" scale basses also open up the ability to use long scale strings. the bass I built uses regular strings.

Yes - Milk Box actually! I use it to give just a bit more highs to my tone - I use flats, so it’s great to add a bit of highs and definition with the high knob (or whatever it’s called). I wish they would have reissued the Milk Box.

That would be sweet if they do, but didn't the guy running the DOD arm of Harman get fired? Dumb move IMO.

The 280 is pretty awesome and last I remember it was kinda neutral without loss of highs, but it's been months since I've used it. First comp I've actually liked.