Getting an electric bass to sound like an upright

[Vim Fuego]

I'm almost positive this has been covered before, but my searchfu is weak, so thought I'd ask. Is there a way/ways to get an electric bass to sound as much like an upright as possible?

[ICBM]

Hold the bass as close to upright as possible, and play with your thumb on the side of the neck near the body. (Seriously! Just the physical way you play it makes a difference.) Use the neck pickup if it has two, roll the tone control down a fair bit but not right off, take off the treble and deep bass on the amp, and if you can add a bit of reverb from somewhere it will help. You're after a kind of muted but resonant midrange tone, if that makes sense.

[Vim Fuego]

thanks, I shall give that a try

[Bowks]

Flatwound strings too!

[erictheweary]

Flatwound strings too!

tapewound strings shirley? Pretty much the thing designed to do this ( and also handy if you start a Beatles tribute band )http://www.bass-strings.com/about-ny...d-bass-strings

[danomess]

Flatwound strings too!

+ Foam mute

[Vim Fuego]

thanks guys, I shall order a set of them taperounds.

+ Foam mute

not heard of one of them, what is it?

[danomess]

thanks guys, I shall order a set of them taperounds.



not heard of one of them, what is it?

Get a piece of foam rubber or similar and place it under the strings at the bridge. It basically kills the sustain of the note giving it a more upright bass attack. A lot of early fenders came with them fitted, but were removed as bass playing progressed. Try playing with a plectrum using the flatwound/mute combo it'll will give you a lovely 60's beach boys Carol Kaye type sound and will help with any lost clarity. Worth reading about James Jamerson (Motown) set up as he was shooting for the upright sound using a Precision,flat,mute, setup.
Try experimenting with different materials maybe foam with a rubber strip on top or maybe even erasers (!)
It's amazing how different the bass changing in character using tape wounds and mutes, have fun!

[Vim Fuego]

tyvm, I shall have a play around and see what's what.

[erictheweary]

this is properly bassy - through my laptop speakers I couldn't hear a note, much better with headphones.

he even shows the foam thing, although to sound like Macca rather than a double bass.