Achieving a better bass tone?
 

Hey guys,
I was wondering what would be the best/easiest way to achieve a more versatile tone in my bass/amp. I'm sick of my amp putting out the same dull tone I've had to play with for several years.

I've got a Squire P-Bass (only has the two pickups in the middle, no extra pickup near the bridge) and my amp is a Fender Rumble 40-watt that only has volume, bass, treble and midi knobs as well as the CD/Input jacks. Even with the treble and midi at full, it still not enough really and doesn't change the tone drastically.

Would a new amp be the way to go? I have no idea about amps and what determines the sound quality. The most inexpensive alternative to getting a new bass is what I'm looking for. Ive got no idea about pre-amps and all that jazz also, so yeah any help would be appreciated, as i wanna make playing bass fun again! :(

Get an outboard preamp to further taylor your tone and work on your technique. If you want a warmer tone, put your right hand towards the neck. If you want a more cutting sound, tighter and with more treble, work towards the bridge.

Do you play with a clean tone or do you use effects? Do you use fingers or pick? what metal style do you play? it all depends on this.

I play with fingers, no effects and I usually just doodle around (melodic) with the occasional learning of a tab (death metal).
I just want more options tone wise, to be able to have a more brighter, rounder sound etc.

Do you have a moderate amount of money to spend?

I would say get a roland practice amp if you're not looking to do anything serious with bass.

Wtf, aren't they 15 watt or something?

New amplification is the way to go. I would suggest some good heads and cabs to buy but I don't know your price limit.

nah, they start around 15 but they can get up in the hundreds

keep practicing. 99% of your tone comes from how you pluck the string. if you want a brighter tone try playing closer to the bridge, especially is youre tuning is low. :beer:

That is quite an over statement.

i stand by my statement. i know better equipment helps, but i still say tone is in your fingertips.

Technique,New Strings,Technique and Technique

Would anyone know how to get close to Justin Chancellor's tone? (Tool bassist). Particularly on the 10,000 days album.

Justin uses a pick....thats about all i know

He uses a Wal bass, Mesa cabinets and a shitload of preamps.

Wal is a no go for anyone un-rich.


Oh and you forgot the Ernie Ball strings.

Buy a Boss bass EQ, there awsome bout $89