The futility of tone chasing

[tlc1976]

I don't chase tone. I know that any tone I hear on an album or whatever, is the result of more money and resources than I have access to. And probably wouldn't even sound the same in my hands anyway.

But I do like to explore tone. Try different things as long as they're cheap or free. Wiring mods. Different strings when it's time. Different combinations of stuff I already have. Revisit pedals that I've put away. Just see what happens. It might be unremarkable, but I also might find something unique that I really like. Never know unless you try.

 

[Phaidrus]

Ah, Plato. I remember him from my philosophy classes in school. His concept of the Idea vs. the thing in reality kind of coincides with some of my own experience with instruments. (I realize this is not quite exactly what Plato had in mind, but hey, " ... on a roll, just go with it ... " ) Part of my pursuit in that area has been with putting instruments together from various parts, trying to get particular sound and playing qualities.

So I have The Idea in mind, then the reality takes shape ... which often falls short. But not always. On a couple of occasions, the final result has exceeded my expectations, the original Idea ... and left me happy for days and days! And even still today. Another level achieved, Happiness! Yeah, it's worthwhile, imo.

Yes, in that respect, every time Plato is proven wrong - i.e. the idea(l) has been indeed achieved, is a good thing! Happiness!

 

[Scotty4string]

If people can't use the normal tone, then tone isn't the problem.

What is the "normal" tone?

 

[Pings Bass]

I've related here on other occasions Brian Setzer's description of playing Stevie Ray Vaughan's Strat, when they were on the same bill somewhere. Said it didn't make him sound like SRV, still mostly sounded like himself ...
HOWEVER, he went on to add that in order to really sound like "Brian Setzer" he needed his classic Gretch archtop, his early 60's Bassman amp and cab, and his Space Echo.
So, that stuff makes a difference, regardless of "all in the fingers"declarations. It all matters, that's all.

Sure, it all matters. But there's a distinction between musical and technical factors. I'm vastly more interested in musical considerations. The technical stuff is satisfied for my needs with any decent instrument and a line in. I find this liberating

 

[ElectroVibe]

What is the "normal" tone?

Paul McCartney never seemed to have a problem achieving it.

 

[Lardass5000]

If people can't use the normal tone, then tone isn't the problem.

I like that...
...but im not sure why.
You have left me wanting more, my good Sir.

 

[Lardass5000]

My "tone" for multiple decades was a '70 P bass with tapewounds, through an Ampeg Portaflex (with various 15" 's), and seeking just a hint more of note definition.

Thats a lot of people's tones

 

[TyBo]

Sure, it all matters. But there's a distinction between musical and technical factors. I'm vastly more interested in musical considerations. The technical stuff is satisfied for my needs with any decent instrument and a line in. I find this liberating

To me, the sound is a musical consideration.

 

[Lardass5000]

Of course it matters!

Afterall, are you an artist?

What if we presented this conversation to a serious painter?
They would think we were mad.

What would DaVinci say?
I commit to chasing tone till i'm dead.
Anyone with me?

 

[Lardass5000]

In fact I think I will change my name to ToneChaser.
Now Im gonna go put on Relayer and listen to Chris Squire play "SoundChaser".

Chase the sound people!

 

[Lardass5000]

I mean im not gonna spend my children's college fund buying a trunk full of nonsense pedals and doo-dads.
Cuz the guys down at the VFW on Tuesday night don't give a royal f@#$ about my tone.

 

[ElectroVibe]

I like that...
...but im not sure why.
You have left me wanting more, my good Sir.

Well I'm probably just speaking to myself. I used to spend a lot of time looking for the right when I played more guitar. But now the bass seems more limited in tones in comparison to guitar. So I would just want a nice clean tone. If I can get that I'm satisfied.

 

[DuluthDank]

I've fallen down the rabbit hole of trying to find my perfect overdrive pedals. I think the key is to know when to actually stop, and when "good enough" is. I'm getting a better sense of what I like, and really the only way to do that is trial and error. But if I'm burning through OD pedals at this pace in two years there may be a psychological problem.

 

[Scotty4string]

Paul McCartney never seemed to have a problem achieving it.

Paul's tone wouldn't work well with a lot of modern music.

 

[LiptonJigglers]

It's important for me.
Agreed it'll never be 100% accurate 100% of the time as conditions determine everything.
If chasing a tone wasn't important then bass guitars and amps would only have a volume dial. There'd be only 1 pick-up set and speaker manufacturer and no variation in pots and capacitors.
The fact that multitudes of amps, basses, pickups, strings, pots, capacitors etc etc and different styles and genres of music exist, tells us, tone is important.
YMMV.

 

[coyote1]

I've done sound for a handful of bands. My concept has always been for the band to get their stage sound and be happy with it, and only then roll that out into the audience (many sound guys go opposite, treating band satisfaction as secondary). Consequently, when a bassist had a tone goal I'd do everything I could, within time constraints, to make that a reality.

 

[Chrome Dome]

Always thought tone was in playing technique?

 

[TyBo]

Always thought tone was in playing technique?

Partly ...

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Yes on tone chasing here. I am on my 3rd fender p bass, (bought & sold 2) I don't like the muddy plain p bass sound but I keep coming back. Been thru 2 fender jazz basses. Just does not have enough big sound. Here is the funny one, I have a $299 Sterling Ray4 that I like the tone. Go figure…..

 

[Tonecaster]

And spend your effort on playing the snot out of it .

This.