... Including my favourite settings

http://www.scottsbasslessons.com/beginners/the-secret-to-a-great-bass-tone.html

TThis idea originally came from the early 60's where bass

players like James Jamerson, Carol Kaye and Bob Babbit

would place foam underneath the strings at the bridge. It

was a recording trick that helped focus the sound waves of

the bass and therefore keep the basses tone more focused

and as a bi-product the bass sits perfectly within the mix of

the band.

TThe foam mute is regarded by many players to be some-

thing of the past which I completely disagree with. I know

several top west-end and broadway bass players that are

using foam mutes as it lets the bass sit so well in the mix of

anything from a large orchestra right down to a small trio

or quartet.

Don't get me wrong. I don't use the foam mute all the time.

It depends what kind of sound I'm going for. But I urge you,

next time you're recording or playing live - try it out for

yourself. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I suppose this is the obvious, right? WI suppose this is the obvious, right? Wrong! I have worked

with countless producers and engineers who constantly

moan about bassists and guitarists turning up to recording

sessions with dead strings. It's the easiest way to get a dull

lifeless sound. If you want a bass tone that has a full bright

dynamic range new strings are a must. Simple as that.

I try and change my strings once I try and change my strings once every two weeks depend-

ing on how many gigs I have on. I've heard of some bass-

ists changing their strings every gig which in an ideal world

would be great. Unfortunately bass strings can be quite

pricey so I would say every two weeks, or even once a

month… but if you've had your strings on for 6 months and

are struggling to get a good tone. Change your strings.

http://www.scottsbasslessons.com/gear/the-p-bass-of-doom.html

My My favourite setting is boosting the bass slightly to around

2o'clock and backing off the treble to around 11o'clock. For

the most part the mid control will stay at neutral unless the

bass is getting lost in the mix a little. If this is the case I will

boost the low mids to around 1 or 2o'clock as this helps the

bass cut through the mix amazingly.

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