tonedef Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 Just gigged at a small club with my USA Gotoh Cruise Bass. Gig went over really well, but I received an observation from a fellow bass player (whom I respect) that I just wasn't hitting the low tones well enough. I'm playing thru an Ampeg, so that isn't the problem (if there is one). I have never known a jazz bass to get the low P-bass tone, anyway, but I figured I'd ask the question. Some of you might have a suggestion.So, any settings tips I might try? Not on the amp, but on the bass. Should I roll off the neck more, or roll off the bridge, maybe roll off the tone some, or just not worry about it (as a jazz ain't gonna sound like a P-bass anyway)?Tonedef
Jack C Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 I modded my Gotoh Cruise to add a push pull pot that switches the pickup wiring between series and parallel. The new option is very bassy and ballsy. Not really P-bass sounding, but very big. It's a nice option to have.
quimby Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 I've never played one of the Cruise basses with a Gotoh bridge...so I'm not speaking with experience...only guessing. Are the pickups set low? How does it sound un-amped? Is it still lacking the lowness you desire?
JohnnyB Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 Definitely check pickup height, string gauge and freshness, amp EQ, etc.It could also be the room acoustics where your bass player friend heard you. It may be as simple as re-positioning the speaker cab, but probably not.Were you on a raised, suspended stage, or was the room on a suspended floor? Suspended floors can really suck out the low bass compared to a masonry floor.How small was the room? It's easier to hear the low bass notes in bigger rooms.
lonote049 Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 Mine's a 2-Tek, but I use D'Addario Chrome flats on mine and keep the tone knob about 1/2 way open. Nobody ever complains about a lack of low end (I also use an Ampeg about 3/4 of the time). I would also check the pick up height as somebody also mentioned.
tonedef Posted February 27, 2006 Author Posted February 27, 2006 Very good suggestions, I will take another look at the P/U height. The acoustics in this particular bar are horrible, that may have a lot to do with it. We were on a raised wooden stage, as well.Lonote--what gauge are the flats you are using? I've been wanting to try some on this, so I think I will.Tonedef
anotherfreak2 Posted February 27, 2006 Posted February 27, 2006 Have you ever used one of the Auralex GRAMMA's they are good for keeping your low end from washing out or getting mudded out. It can really help things sound better!
Cary Posted February 28, 2006 Posted February 28, 2006 Personally I always played mine with the neck pickup wide open and the bridge pickup maybe 3/4 of the way up. The neck pickup helped the lower end response a lot. I tried using just (or mostly) the bridge pickup but it was way too thin and trebley for my taste. Plus I always played through a Mesa Bass 400+ into an Ampeg 4x10 and an Ampeg 1x18, so I never had any trouble with the low end
tonedef Posted February 28, 2006 Author Posted February 28, 2006 I usually back the bridge off a smidge as well. Or sometimes I'll back the neck off a little, both settings give interesting tones.I thought I had the P/U's where I wanted them, but at your suggestions I raised them a little--sounds much better, thanks!Tonedef
tonedef Posted March 18, 2006 Author Posted March 18, 2006 An update; since it was St. Paddy's Day and all I broke out the emerald green Cruise for our gig last nite. The P/U height adjustment certainly did the trick, it sounded much more dynamic. I had to back off the amp's master V from where I usually set it, as the Cruiser was so much more lively. That's more like it...Tonedef
blackfbiv Posted March 20, 2006 Posted March 20, 2006 Plus I always played through a Mesa Bass 400+ into an Ampeg 4x10 and an Ampeg 1x18, so I never had any trouble with the low end No?... Really?!! I loved my old SVT / 8x10 / 2x15 rig... Soundmen didn't... Ever see a guitar player run and hide...? I have. Heh heh heh. Dion
elduave Posted March 20, 2006 Posted March 20, 2006 No Cruise experience for me but plenty of bass playing experience. I *never* use the bridge pickup, always the neck wide open. I do this specifically to get the most low end out of the instrument. YMMV.
cmatthes Posted March 20, 2006 Posted March 20, 2006 Yep. Elduave has done pretty much everything but remove my bridge pickups when we play!
elduave Posted March 20, 2006 Posted March 20, 2006 Yep. Elduave has done pretty much everything but remove my bridge pickups when we play!
Cary Posted March 20, 2006 Posted March 20, 2006 I loved my old SVT / 8x10 / 2x15 rig... Soundmen didn't... Ever see a guitar player run and hide...? I have. Heh heh heh. Dion Sound guys LOVED me: "uh, can you turn down a little bit? - we're having a hard time getting you in the mix". Tonedaddy: "What did he ask you?" Me: "He asked me to turn down a little" Tonedaddy: F*ck him, turn it up!" Our sound guys loved us, period. Running a Mesa Bass 400+ on "2" is like buying a Ferrari and driving it at 15mph all the time...
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