• 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.

Thumpy/Low End Pbass tone

joshmickelson

joshmickelson

Nov 19, 2008
452
64
Denver, CO
www.myspace.com
#1
I love my two pbasses. The mid range tone really sits in the mix well. However, I have noticed that some of my favorite bass players are able to achieve more of a low end/growly tone out of their p-basses. I was wondering if any of you tb'ers had tips on getting this tone? I assume it's a mixture of playing/tone settings on the bass/tone settings on the amp. I am thinking of players like pino, nate mendell (foo fighters), colin greenwood (radiohead).

a video also for reference:
 
#4
Spinal Tapper said:
I have Fralin PU's in my 62 RI (CIJ) Precision. I get pretty dang close to this tone...roll tone up on the bass about 1/4, maybe less. Crank the treble on the amp.

That's my formula anyways. Haha
Click to expand...

Nice, I use a CIJ Pbass as well. I should think about new PUs eventually. It's easy to fall into the trap of just constantly having your tone and volume fully on, I need to mess with that more.

BuffaloBass said:
what strings you using? How close to the strings are the pole pieces in the pickups?

Roundwounds and 3.5mm will help.

The P in the clip almost sounds like a synth bass. Can't help with that tone.
Click to expand...

One of my basses is fitted with rounds, the other has roto flats. I am not sure on height. I can definitely measure that. Thanks for tips!
 
#5
joshmickelson said:
I assume it's a mixture of playing/tone settings on the bass/tone settings on the amp.
Click to expand...


And the microphone, placement, DI, cable, $200,000 console, $3,000 compressor, priceless ears of the mixer and mastering engineer, etc. There's a fair bit of processing involved in the tone you linked, including a keyboard doubling the bass line...


But yeah, I like a 0.1uF cap and rolled off a bit, Chromes, etc for the fatty P Bass sound...play closer to the neck and it fattens up nicely.
 
#6
Dark Horse said:
And the microphone, placement, DI, cable, $200,000 console, $3,000 compressor, priceless ears of the mixer and mastering engineer, etc. There's a fair bit of processing involved in the tone you linked, including a keyboard doubling the bass line...


But yeah, I like a 0.1uF cap and rolled off a bit, Chromes, etc for the fatty P Bass sound...play closer to the neck and it fattens up nicely.
Click to expand...


yea, that's another good point, it seems in general like it does take a lot of processing to get that kind of tone. Maybe more than my yba200 and pbass are capable of achieving.
 
#8
joshmickelson said:
Nice, I use a CIJ Pbass as well. I should think about new PUs eventually. It's easy to fall into the trap of just constantly having your tone and volume fully on, I need to mess with that more.
Click to expand...

The Fralins are amazing, and they're only like $110. They're so responsive. When I'm playing the open E, it almost has a phaser effect you can hear slightly when its cranked up. I just noticed it the other night actually haha. I also have Fralins in my CIJ 62 RI jazz bass I like them so much.

On the P, I usually keep my tone knob between 0 and 1/4 roll. I lose some bottom end when I turn it up, but I think that's because I need my capacitor changed possibly...not sure, I have to take it in, but I'm in no hurry. Regardless, I still love the tone I get from my P bass.

Also, I use DiAddario Nickel Rounds incase u were curious.

Colin uses some interesting pedals and stuff (especially for the song u posted). U might wanna do some research on the Effects forum, or try googling it to check out his rig.

Best of luck. :bassist:
 
#13
purfektstranger said:
Seymour Duncan SPB 3's....enough said.
Click to expand...

Wow. I absolutely HATED the SPB-3's, because they had too much output, were too strong in the mids, and too weak on the bass frequencies. Pretty much the opposite of what the OP was looking for IME. Perfect for cutting though in punk music, not so perfect for "fat bass tone".

Of course what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.
 
#14
Wow. I absolutely HATED the SPB-3's, because they had too much output, were too strong in the mids, and too weak on the bass frequencies. Pretty much the opposite of what the OP was looking for IME. Perfect for cutting though in punk music, not so perfect for "fat bass tone".


So did I funny enough but through my Markbass combo with the right settings I get a good low end growly tone, which is what the OP is seeking.
 
#15
purfektstranger said:
So did I funny enough but through my Markbass combo with the right settings I get a good low end growly tone, which is what the OP is seeking.
Click to expand...


Cool. If I ever end up with another set or try out a bass with them I'll have to check that out.

One cool thing about the Markbass amps - set everything flat and use the filters, and you can get some damn fine old school tones.

Of course the OP doesn't have a Markbass, so.... :D
 
#17
That Electro Harmonix Knockout demo video did NOT make me want to buy one.

At first, the stock Precision sounds really pretty good, like... a P BASS... then, he kicks in the box, and it sounds like every bedroom-tone Ibanez or Epiphone cheapy I've ever heard.

If THAT sits in the mix better, I'd be shocked. I don't think so.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back