1 Bass 9 Different Tones!

There are annoyingly loud renovations going on above my studio today so you'll be glad to know there's no talking. Just nine different bass tones from one bass, a bunch of different techniques, and some effects and amp simulations.

My Ibanez has one Fender Precision style pickup and one Jazz style. Find out more about the bass:

1982 Ibanez Roadster PRE MODIFICATION (Great Bass, Terrible Sound!)

Part 2 – 1982 MODIFIED Ibanez Roadstar (Great Bass, Great Sound!)

Those pickups coupled with a tone knob for each one makes it a versatile instrument.

You can change tone even more through the use of different techniques, accessories, and effects.

Here's what I used in the video:


  1. 1
    Vintage Precision tone: P bass pickup soloed, tone rolled completely off, fingerstyle plucking over the P pickup, UAD Ampeg B15 amp simulator.
  2. 2
    James Jamerson tone: Same as above with a foam mute under the strings by the bridge. Foam mutes were used a lot in the soul, RnB, and Motown bass recording of the early 1960s onwards.
  3. 3
    Carole Kaye tone: Same as above using a plectrum.
  4. 4
    Rock tone: P bass pickup, tone all the way up (this brightens the sound. Rolling off the tone removes the highs giving you a darker tone), plectrum, UAD SVT-3 Pro.
  5. 5
    Bobby Vega/funk pick tone: Both pickups, plectrum, UAD WT800.
  6. 6
    Slap tone: Both pickups, slap technique, Waves CLA Bass.
  7. 7
    Overdriven rock tone: Both pickups, fingers playing with a strong attack (a bit like Geddy Lee), Waves CLA Bass.
  8. 8
    Jaco tone: Jazz pickup soloed, plucking over the bridge pickup, UAD WT800.
  9. 9
     Atmospheric tone for chords: Classical fingerstyle technique, Valhalla Room, Soundtoys Echoboy & Crystallizer.

This was the first time I used the CLA Bass plugin and the UAD WT800. I just used the tools I had to hand and didn't think too much about it. Just use the gear you have available to you and your own skills and creativity.

Don't get too bogged down by what bass or strings to use. Master your craft and become obsessed with that.

Of course, gear is cool, don't get me wrong! However, you'll go far by working on your timing and technique as well as the other areas that will make you a great bass player. 

Check out the lessons here if you want to know where to begin.


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  • I’m happy to see and hear how much you’re enjoying the Ibanez.Sounds great always, I really like the WTworld tour,(Eden?)You and that bass were just meant to be together.

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