Synth bass experiment (video)

[FretNoMore]

Someone asked about how to make synth sounds, so I thought I'd experiment a bit. Remember though, I play blues, so this is not exactly my comfort zone, it's just a quick proof of concept kind of thing. But have at it anyway, I can take it.

EDIT: The signal path is Octaver>Overdrive>Envelope>Chorus>Tremolo>Delay. In case you wonder about the routing vs the physical layout. The Octaver and Overdrive are connected to the effect loop of the Wonderlove envelope filter.



This was filmed using an iPhone with a GuitarJack audio interface, the sound is a bit off since it was recorded at a very low level and then normalized.

 

[jasonmitsch]

Nice!

 

[DagoMaino]

... now to direct all future "How do I make synth bass tones without a synth pedal?" questions here... envelope, pitch, dirt... Good li'l tutorial.

 

[Marial]

I really dig it with the tremelo. Poor man's Transformers rrr-rrr-rrr-rrr sound. Very cool.

 

[yaksonator]

Nice, I like it. To the point, no dilly dally! I want a fretless... Great video!

 

[FretNoMore]

Thanks for watching, guys!

 

[M0ses]

You play blues on a fretless with that pedalboard!? I'd like to hear that what comes out of that!

 

[FretNoMore]

Yeah, my bandmates wonder about that too.

We actually play a variety of covers, ranging from blues and rock to the occasional funk and jazz tune. I use most of the pedals with the band, except for the tremolo, but very sparingly. Just as a bit of flavouring, not so as the effect is obvious. Most of the time just some dirt though.

The pedalboard is very much a toy too, to be honest. And the fretless only comes out for one or two easier songs, I'm not comfortable playing it yet.

 

[M0ses]

Very cool.

As far as fretless, I'd encourage you to just go for it. I just got a my first fretless recently, and three days after I got it, I brought it and only it to a five hour rehearsal. Trial by fire, the fastest way to learn. No one commented on my tuning that rehearsal, but the band leader did accuse the lead guitarist of being out of tune. I thought that was hilarious. You will be surprised how well you can manage it when you have no other choice. Just listen, listen, listen.

 

[jasonmitsch]

And the fretless only comes out for one or two easier songs, I'm not comfortable playing it yet.

Does not compute with your username. Unless you only play open strings?

 

[FretNoMore]

The name has a non-bass related background, but I'm working on living up to it here too.

 

[iualum]

I get my synth tone with a Maxon AF-9, EHX POG2, & either a RetroMan Scram or Retroman Hi Octone.

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What's the purple box in the top right corner?

 

[FretNoMore]

That's the Invalid Link Removed by Dawner Prince Effects.

 

[FretNoMore]

Those retroman pedals are new too me, sounds cool in the clips I found.

 

[halfjackson]

Sounds great!

 

[gregmon79]

Very cool Fret. I was never a big fan of playing synthy stuff until I got all the stuff I have. Once you have the tools to do it, its hard to not enjoy playing it. Love some good thick synth work. And you nailed it here. Great stuff man! Love your board too btw, awesome sauce.

 

[FretNoMore]

Thank you kindly! We don't play a single song where I can use a synth bass sound, but there's no law against fooling around with noise at home.

 

[BigBeatNut]

Someone asked about how to make synth sounds, so I thought I'd experiment a bit.

Very nice. I've had trouble dialing in the Wonderlove so I shall be cribbing that setting later on.

Can you give us a rundown on the signal chain ... no actually, the main thing I'm interested in is: Which pedals come before the Wonderlove, and which are in the Wonderlove loop ?

 

[FretNoMore]

Wonderlove first, octaver plus dirt are in the WL loop, chorus etc after the WL

 

[Darknut]

Pretty Slick