What to get next to improve tone?

[voodooproducer]

Current DI signal chain:

Squier Affinity jazz bass
RNDI
Interface

Inside the DAW, I put Waves CLA76 compressor and RBass plugin.

My tone is not anywhere near what I'd like it to sound like. I'm trying to get this tone:



I know he used a Jazz bass with flats.

What preamp, compressor, or gear do I need to get close?

 

[bassbrad]

That sound has a lot to do with the player's pick style of attack, placement of the pick point and cut off or articulation of notes because that is about as direct and dry a sound as you can get. You can throw a lot of gear and money at it but it really is that simple.

 

[jumblemind]

^^ agree sounds like flatwounds straight into the board. Would be helpful if you had a clip of your bass sound to compare to, as it's possible a certain type of pedal could help bridge the EQ gap, but IMO without reference there's nowhere to really start with suggestions.

I do think you'll run into a wall no matter what with that Affinity bass. The ones I've played have a somewhat brittle tone due to the cheaply made pickups and pots. Not sure if it's worth that kind of upgrade since good pickups could cost more than the bass itself, but you can prob score some decent ones cheap in the classifieds, maybe from someone getting rid of their stock Fender electronics.

 

[J Posega]

Lessons.

 

[Stubb]

Practicing.

 

[XLunacy]

When the Effects sub tells you not to buy new pedals You definitely comply.

 

[chiphaleonbass]

Here's one more vote for focusing on the technique here! Flats on a jazz for sure. You've already got a killer DI, it's really about getting the muting down. Without hearing what you're working with currently it's tough to gauge if your bass can get that sound and whether or not it needs some bolstering. I think a good tube pre with some eq always helps bring out more character and that mid saturation you'll want for this sort of thing. Underground Accelerator would be my vote.