Tone is all in the fingers

[Tyso]

Wikipedia and several other sources disagree rather vehemently with you, FWIW. Link Removed

Link please.

 

[Passinwind]

Link please.

But of course: Tone (musical instrument) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Tyso]

But of course: Tone (musical instrument) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Tone and sound are terms used by musicians and related professions to refer to the audible characteristics of a player's sound. Tone is the product of all influences on what can be heard by the listener, including the characteristics of the instrument itself, differences in playing technique (e.g. Invalid Link Removed for woodwind and brass players, fretting technique or use of a slide in stringed instruments, or use of different mallets in percussion), and the physical space in which the instrument is played. In electric and electronic instruments, tone is also affected by theInvalid Link Removed, Invalid Link Removed, and speakers used by the musician.[1][2] In recorded music, tone is also influenced by the microphones, signal processors, and Invalid Link Removed used to record, mix, andmaster the final recording, as well as the listener's audio system."


Well, there you go. Turns out this is my new opinion.

 

[Passinwind]

Well, there you go. Turns out this my new opinion.

I'm not so sure if it's mine or not just yet, but I found it interesting at least.

 

[Tyso]

I'm not so sure if it's mine or not just yet, but I found it interesting at least.

My ears are the greatest determining factor in my tone, and everybody else's for that matter. Wiki didn't even mention my ears, I'll have to make some edits.

 

[Doug Parent]

"Tone and sound are terms used by musicians and related professions to refer to the audible characteristics of a player's sound. Tone is the product of all influences on what can be heard by the listener, including the characteristics of the instrument itself, differences in playing technique (e.g. Invalid Link Removed for woodwind and brass players, fretting technique or use of a slide in stringed instruments, or use of different mallets in percussion), and the physical space in which the instrument is played. In electric and electronic instruments, tone is also affected by theInvalid Link Removed, Invalid Link Removed, and speakers used by the musician.[1][2] In recorded music, tone is also influenced by the microphones, signal processors, and Invalid Link Removed used to record, mix, andmaster the final recording, as well as the listener's audio system."
Well, there you go. Turns out this is my new opinion.

This makes the point pretty clearly, as a rational response. The statement "The tone is ALL in your fingers" is a gross over generalization and as such is a false or incomplete datum.

 

[okcrum]

If it was all in the fingers you would be able to get a Stanley tone out of a P-bass......

And if it were all in the bass, all you'd need is a short scale Alembic.

 

[Five String]

Yeah, okay, this is all fine but what are the best fingers for metal?

 

[okcrum]

These would be a good start

 

[moody]

I would say your fingers do both. They certainly do affect tone. First, pluck at the end of the fretboard. Then, pluck as close to the bridge as you can.
If you don't hear a difference in tone, you should trade your bass for a drum set.

This is a disservice to the many great drummers who hit the drums in different places for different tones.

 

[sjhs]

My tone is all in my fingers... but, unfortunately, the tone has to pass through the string, pickups, tone controls, pedals, a head and then a speaker cabinet before I get to hear it... so I try to pay attention to all of them.

 

[Gearhead17]

Out of all factors that define your overall bass tone, I believe the fingers have the largest effect by far. However, I don't think we as a collective group of bass players can fully determine how much each part actually contributes. And that is alright. I try to tell others that once you get your hand techniques down, it is simply getting the right gear for the job to achieve what you want. Some gear is just crucial for the tone you want, but even with the right gear, if your playing style is sloppy or you favor one pickup over another, don't expect to nail that tone you want.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Fingers are the only part of the system that can vary your tone with your emotions.

 

[Murdoc_420]

I don't think WHERE you pluck the string can be considered fingers effecting tone.

I feel that is an easy cop out to prove the point.

Sure, plucking in different places DOES effect the tone but it's not because of your fingers. It's more about playstyle but not even that really.

It's simply deciding what tone you want out of the bass and plucking accordingly.

A bass guitar sounds deeper and softer plucked by the neck. That's the instrument, not your fingers.

 

[Omega Monkey]

Not this BS again. Anyone who has ever used more than 3 amps or more than 3 basses in their life knows what a big difference different gear makes on your sound. Of course technique (it's not really your "fingers" as such) makes a difference, but it's just one part of the puzzle. Which is why it's dumb to even bring it up. It's like "if you suck at music, your music will suck". Well gee, thanks Dan Rather for that shocking expose.

 

[JimmyM]

Wow, this thread is full of completely clueless people.

 

[mikefromchurch]

Yeah, okay, this is all fine but what are the best fingers for metal?

Tort.

 

[Passinwind]

Wow, this thread is full of completely clueless people.

Say what? Link Removed

 

[Michael B]

Fingers are the only part of the system that can vary your tone with your emotions.

Mostly accurate. But tell that to the foot changing all sorts of switches and param pedals.

 

[Johny Blade]

Not this BS again. Anyone who has ever used more than 3 amps or more than 3 basses in their life knows what a big difference different gear makes on your sound. Of course technique (it's not really your "fingers" as such) makes a difference, but it's just one part of the puzzle. Which is why it's dumb to even bring it up. It's like "if you suck at music, your music will suck". Well gee, thanks Dan Rather for that shocking expose.

Couldn't say it better myself