Trying to get that SVT thump tone

[tothemax]

I'd like to work on a better bass tone, similar to the Roscoe Beck sound on Robben Ford's Help the poor...
My main bass is a 2007 stock Jazz, which seems to give me better tone options than my P. I'm playing through an Ampeg BA-210v2 with a 2x10 ext. cab. I use a bit of the Scrambler circuit from the amp, I have a very basic board, tuner, Walrus Mira compressor, and MXR 10 band EQ. I realize that Roscoe is pretty much off the charts, and like trying copy SRV on guitar. But, I would think that I should be able to get a little closer to that sound, I get more of a thunk than that nice clear tone he gets. I'm thinking it's a combination of technique and amp settings.

Will appreciate any tips...

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[BGroovy]

Some good low end there but a lot of mids. I don't think of this tone as really "thumpy" but you may be thinking of the low notes which I'd mute (either left or right hand technique)

On the Jazz I'd go both pickups on, tone rolled back 20%. Boost the bass just a bit on the amp, and boost the high mids a good amount.

Work on muting on the low notes, and let it ring as you go up the neck.

That's what I'm hearing at least.

 

[Bodeeni]

That tone is more about the bass. Active 5 string with broken in strings. This recording sounds direct into the board to me.

 

[noeinstein]

FWIW, here are AI's suggestions. I'll be interested in your results if you try them out:

For the Ampeg BA-210v2, use these settings to achieve the SVT-style thump with the controls it offers:

1. Scrambler Drive: OFF or very low (keeping this low preserves a cleaner sound; a slight amount can add subtle grit if desired).
2. Scrambler Blend: OFF or low (same as above; minimal blend will keep the tone tight and punchy).
3. Volume: Set to your playing environment (adjust for overall loudness without affecting tone).
4. Ultra Low Button: ON (this will boost the low frequencies, adding that deep, SVT-like thump).
5. Ultra High Button: OFF (turning this off will keep the highs from overshadowing the low-end thump).
6. Bass: 2:00 - 3:00 (to emphasize warmth and depth, essential for the thump).
7. Mid: 1:00 - 2:00 (pushing mids slightly helps with SVT’s punchy, forward character).
8. Treble: 10:00 - 11:00 (keeping treble lower maintains a rounded tone without excessive brightness).

These settings aim to capture that SVT warmth, with boosted lows and forward mids. The Ultra Low button and Bass control are key here, as they’ll add that thick, rounded low end characteristic of the SVT thump. Adjust the Scrambler Drive and Blend only if you want a touch of grit—otherwise, leave them off for a clean, classic thump.

To dial in a classic SVT thump on your Fender Jazz Bass to complement those Ampeg BA-210v2 settings, try these adjustments:

1. Pickup Balance: Favor the neck pickup or keep both pickups on at an equal blend. The neck pickup gives a warmer, rounder tone closer to the SVT sound, while keeping both pickups on provides a thicker, fuller bass.
2. Tone Control: Roll the tone down to about 50-60%. This reduces some of the high-end snap, creating a smoother, vintage-inspired warmth.
3. Playing Technique:
   • Play with fingers rather than a pick for a softer, deeper tone.
   • Consider playing closer to the neck for added warmth and depth. This positioning complements the low-end emphasis from the amp.
4. String Type: If possible, use flatwound strings for a more vintage thump. If you’re using roundwounds, make sure they’re well-broken-in or slightly muted to mellow out any excessive brightness.
5. Action and Setup: A slightly higher action can help produce a more resonant tone without unwanted fret buzz, contributing to the rounded "thump" effect.

With these settings on the Jazz Bass paired with the amp, you’ll get a full-bodied tone with punchy lows and rounded mids. The focus on the neck pickup and tone control helps emulate the warmth and depth of an SVT without losing clarity.

 

[tothemax]

Had a chance to try the settings today, not bad... my regular settings were not that far off form the suggested ones. I cut way back to about 8:00 on both the Scrambler settings, they do make a difference, better on than off. I have about 6 month old round wound strings on the Jazz, my P has flats on it. I'll probably give it a try with these settings as well. Thanks for the info... After many years of playing, mostly guitar, it's only been the last few years that I've started making the effort to actually learn the bass (rather than just filling in as needed).

With a few bass lines approaching how they should be it would be nice to have a decent tone as well.
Your input is much appreciated...

 

[Killing Floor]

Agree that is NOT a smiley EQ. Great tone. I wonder if the amp was recorded with a mic?

Great song and Robben's guitar is "glass" there.

 

[Metal Sombreros]

Use an SVT