Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
The best compressor pedal for me? Calling Bongo?
- Thread starter OldFoamy
- Start date
From what I've read, I seem drawn more towards the Markbass and the EHX Black Finger. I don't mind a little noise, but I hear too many complaints on the Soul Preacher.
How would you describe the tube tone of the Markbass? Would it fall into the hi-fi sound a la Demeter and all?
How would you describe the tube tone of the Markbass? Would it fall into the hi-fi sound a la Demeter and all?
I am pleased that the original bad dude, James Motown Jamerson, is still revered.
His action was very high. I believe he ALSO played upright bass.
Heavy gauge Flatwounds.. LaBella. We never changed strings.
All of these factors, are physical ( vs electronic ) factors.
His sound was absolutely unique. And so were his bass lines.
His action was very high. I believe he ALSO played upright bass.
Heavy gauge Flatwounds.. LaBella. We never changed strings.
All of these factors, are physical ( vs electronic ) factors.
His sound was absolutely unique. And so were his bass lines.
I agree with most all of this, but he used the electric P-bass with foam mute way more than the double bass. And also went direct through tubed recording gear, one piece being a compressor/limiter
I agree with most all of this, but he used the electric P-bass with foam mute way more than the double bass. And also went direct through tubed recording gear, one piece being a compressor/limiter
Dear Foamy
HellOo.... I know what he played on the recordings.
I merely added the fact that he ALSO played upright bass.
I owned ( till it was stolen ) a 52 Fender. It had characteristics
that I associate with Jamerson's sound.
This bass serial number 1098.. was more akin to a string bass than the elec basses that followed.
I guess what I am getting at is:
The style of 1940' 50's string bass players was very PHYSICAL ( for lack of a better description ).. they didn't use amps PU's much in the early 50's. Bass players had to be strong guys, like Jamerson, Mingus, Ray Brown, etc.
I am guessing that Fender could not help but be influenced by the string bass. This old bass of mine had the tautest strings I ever felt on an elec bass. The tuning pegs were very hard to turn. And that was a good thing. The open Lo E was killer.. I have never heard a Lo E like my old bass.
I believe Jamersons playing conception was eg the opposite philosophy ( physically, technically sleeking, not conceptually ) of Gary Willis's, who uses a very low action and light touch.. and very effectively. ), Jamerson played very "physically" with that old school high action, very taut string tension.
Many people probably split the difference between lo light action and very high heavy strings and action.
The tendency ( a generalization, ok ) has been to move ( both string bass and elec bass ) away from the heavy handed approach to the lighter approach.
BUT I don't think you can recreate a Jamerson sound without the physical aspects involved. I could be wrong, but I have never heard anyone sound like him... Bob Babbit being the closest. And perhaps Willie Weeks.
I hope this helps you get what I was referring to.
My apologies if I misread your wording before your edit. But my question was about a "*>COMPRESSOR PEDAL<*" that can even dynamics AND has more of the Jamerson/vintage personality(as it will stay true to my sound vs. some modern sounding compressor that will not). NOT one that will add Jamerson, and NOT how to sound like Jamerson. Thanks though! 
Lol. No, not suggesting that. But his bass did hit a limiter, a Fairchild I believe, and/or a LA-2A which I know they used on other tracks.
I've been running the Demeter Compulator, and love it. It doesn't sound like a compressor. It just sounds like my touch is more even. They've been the standard for years, I can see why.
If it wasn't for the large footprint and a lot of current needed, I would have stuck with the MB Compressore. IMO, just as good as a high quality rack mount, but in a pedal form.
Now I find that the Durham Sexdrive tickles my fancy. It has just the right amount of compression with a nice tone built with it. Easy to dial in and a "set it and forget it" pedal. So far I'm just as happy with the Sexdrive but in a different way.
Now I find that the Durham Sexdrive tickles my fancy. It has just the right amount of compression with a nice tone built with it. Easy to dial in and a "set it and forget it" pedal. So far I'm just as happy with the Sexdrive but in a different way.
I'm a big fan of the Demeter Compulator. Doesn't alter your tone and it is almost impossible to ruin your tone with this pedal. It's only quirk is that it can sound a little rough quite once the battery starts to run even a little low. Use the recommended wall wart power supply and this is never an issue. There's a new Pro model out now that offers more control, but I've always been a fan of compressors with very simple, two knob controls.
You want to buy my Aphex 651 Expressor rackmount as I'm not using it and you NEED it.
Really? Sounds like a good dill haha
