Can anyone help me get this bass sound?

[Shellacattack]

I messed around for a couple hours yesterday trying to get this bass sound, but I'm not having much luck. I don't dislike the bass sounds I'm getting, but I'd really like to figure this one out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8gFlysob5g

Anything in particular jump out immediately when you hear this?

[Ryan Silva]

I would say use a Fuzz pedal/plug-in adjust the tone to clear out most of the lower frequency fuzz. Blend this with the original track to taste. The magic is going to be when you find the right frequency of the fuzz to use. I sometimes band pass the fuzz just so I can really focus in on the area which it works.

In this recording it sounds like it was put through a guitar amp at some point.

Good luck

[tonewoods]

In this recording it sounds like it was put through a guitar amp at some point.

Yeah, I'm hearing just a smallish solid state guitar amp like one of those small Marshalls...
Split the signal to DI to cover your ass, then mix to taste...

That might get you there?

[inasilentway]

Seen them a few times, Kathy definitely plays through a tiny Fender guitar amp but I can't remember if it was a Blues Jr, Pro Jr, or maybe even one of those little solid-state ones that sound super gnarly if you turn them up.

[Gregg Juke]

There's something else besides the fuzz... I'm not sure it's just a small amp. There's a repeated, regular freq scoop/sweep on the attack of each bass note-- a very consistent and quick response, "wah-ish" sound.

Not sure how they got it, but you could experiment with an envelope filter pedal, an actual wah-wah half open, something like the EHX bass synthesizer pedals, or some combination thereof. Or a similar daw plug-in added at mix/post. But it's something like that.

GJ

[jgimbel]

You might try getting in touch with them. I did photography for them for a show here in Philly a few years ago, they're really friendly folks. I'd bet they would share some info about it. I believe she uses a Fender Jazz, I can't remember offhand what kind of amp she uses though.

[Shellacattack]

Awesome! Thank you everyone for your replies. First thing I did when I got home yesterday was mic up my little Electar tube 10 and reamp the bass through that, mixing it back in under the original bass. That definitely added more of the character I was looking for, although I still have to mess with it more.

And jgimbel, that's a good idea; I think I will try contacting them.

Thanks again guys!

[KennyLusk]

There's something else besides the fuzz... I'm not sure it's just a small amp. There's a repeated, regular freq scoop/sweep on the attack of each bass note-- a very consistent and quick response, "wah-ish" sound.

Not sure how they got it, but you could experiment with an envelope filter pedal, an actual wah-wah half open, something like the EHX bass synthesizer pedals, or some combination thereof. Or a similar daw plug-in added at mix/post. But it's something like that.

GJ

I agree that it sounds like some kind of envelope filter setup to effect only a small range of the signal. It's also interesting how her fingers sliding up/down the strings is so much a part of the sound, and the filter seems to really accentuate that freq range where the finger slides really live.

Very cool tune by the way. Gonna have to check out their releases. Nice post.

[markjazzbassist]

overdrive pedal (dod 250) and brand new stainless steels strings. use a pick with clean playing and you got it.