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Bernard Edwards would sound like Bernard Edwards using a $60 Hondo into a Peavey TKO 65 and you and I probably would not sound even close using his own gear. Study his unique technique first.
I think your amp is fine, you just need to learn to adjust to the different style of EQ the LH500 has. How is there no volume left if you're leaving the bass knob in the flat setting (at around #2-3 on the dial)?
Rather than buy a whole new combo, maybe invest in a pedal that has some nice EQ features to boost/cut the frequencies you don't want?
Rather than buy a whole new combo, maybe invest in a pedal that has some nice EQ features to boost/cut the frequencies you don't want?
Oh Jeeze, I just realized the video is of you playing my all time favorite Bruford song. Congrats on you for learning that! ( seriously ) When performed live that one always gets the hot chicks out on the dance floor! ( joking ) 
You're getting a decent tone out of that bass. Just go try a bunch of combos if you really feel you need another. ( ask to take one or two on a real gig road test! ) You'll know when you're playing the right one. There are no absolute "facts" when this is concerned. Only personal opinion. Just listen to your own ears. They won't lie to you.
You're getting a decent tone out of that bass. Just go try a bunch of combos if you really feel you need another. ( ask to take one or two on a real gig road test! ) You'll know when you're playing the right one. There are no absolute "facts" when this is concerned. Only personal opinion. Just listen to your own ears. They won't lie to you.
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Bernard used a jazz at early chic recordings. He cut "everybody dance" with a jazz, according to an old bass player interview.
Amen, brother. Bernard was a bada$$. Wish I had 1% of his talent.
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I don't normally comment three pages into a thread, but this sounds like some later-era Flea/RHCP tones, whatwithall being all burpy. His sound was originally EBMM Ray, but he moved over to that Modulus thing if I'm not mistaken.
...at least that's what I'm discerning with these crappy work computer speakers.
...at least that's what I'm discerning with these crappy work computer speakers.
Well for starters Bernard Edwards played a MusicMan stingray which has a pretty distinguished tone. I suspect changing basses would bet you a lot closer.
And then there is the whole "tone is in your hands thing."
I would think that your amp should do you fine if you futz with the EQ enough.
And then there is the whole "tone is in your hands thing."
I would think that your amp should do you fine if you futz with the EQ enough.
I don't think it was mentioned already by obviously no bass amplifier was involved in the Chic recording you posted.
Bernard would record direct using a DI. It tells you how much his amp plays in his tone.
If you mute your strings with your palm and use your thumb as a pick you can somewhat emulate his tone. That is the most important component here. As everyone said, a Stingray may help
Bernard would record direct using a DI. It tells you how much his amp plays in his tone.
If you mute your strings with your palm and use your thumb as a pick you can somewhat emulate his tone. That is the most important component here. As everyone said, a Stingray may help
Was palm muting his actual technique? It sounds like hes just playing at the bridge finger style, highs rolled off, mid emphasis with some low end.
Bernie Edwards is Stingray plus very old strings. Legend said that he was asked what strings did he use, and he turned around and asked a roadie/stage hand what strings came with a Stingray - was still playing factory strings!
(I have no idea if that's true, though - this is internet-true
)
Bernard's Stingray most likely had GHS Brite Flats on, as that's what they shipped with at the time.
I find a Music Man with a 2 Band EQ through my Markbass nails that sound.
I find a Music Man with a 2 Band EQ through my Markbass nails that sound.
Yeah this was before sampling technology existed, so apparently some teenager played the bass line for like 13 minutes straight in the studio.Chic actually had nothing to do with the recording of "Rapper's Delight".
Obviously they "sampled" Chic, but they actually re-recorded it.
I am really not a fan of groundwounds, but that's just me. They can sound very good, though. Some compromises include GHS Pressurewound (though these sound more like worn rounds than bright flats) and D'Addario Chromes. In fact, I think Chromes would be very easy to get a Chic sound on, as they are very present and clear sounding.
