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bass guitar from “rebellion (lies)” by arcade fire | ToneDB

rebellion (lies)

arcade fire

bass guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A driving, punchy bass tone with a warm low-mid presence and a touch of tube grit. It provides a strong melodic and rhythmic foundation for the song's anthemic energy.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass (likely with roundwound strings, played with a pick)

Amp: Ampeg SVT head (e.g., SVT-CL or vintage model) with an Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 cabinet

Microphone: Neumann U 47 FET

Processing: Studio Compressor (e.g., Universal Audio 1176 on either DI, mic, or blended signal)

Other: A parallel DI signal (e.g., from a Radial JDI box, capturing the direct sound of the bass) was likely blended with the mic'd amplifier signal. This technique combines the amp's character with the DI's clarity and low-end. Mic placed on one of the 10-inch speakers in the SVT-810E, possibly slightly off-center.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Hotel2Tango, Montreal, co-produced by the band and Howard Bilerman.
  • The bass part is a prominent melodic and rhythmic driver in the song, characterized by its consistent eighth-note pattern.
  • The tone achieves a balance of vintage warmth from the tube amp and clear articulation, allowing it to cut through a dense mix.
  • The audible grit likely comes from pushing the Ampeg SVT into natural power tube saturation, rather than a dedicated distortion pedal.
  • A blend of DI and a mic'd amplifier was a common technique for bass on this album.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Precision Bass with fresh roundwound strings; play with a pick for a defined and consistent attack.
  • Set the P-Bass tone knob to around 70-80% to retain punch while taming excessive brightness.
  • Utilize an Ampeg SVT-style amplifier and push the gain to the edge of breakup for natural tube saturation and grit.
  • Blend a clean DI signal (for low-end fundamental and attack clarity) with a microphone on the amp cabinet (e.g., Neumann U 47 FET, Electro-Voice RE20, or Sennheiser MD421).
  • Apply moderate compression (e.g., 1176-style) to even out dynamics, enhance sustain, and help the bass sit consistently in the mix.
  • Focus EQ on strong low-mids (around 200-500Hz) for warmth and punch, ensuring the bass has weight without becoming muddy.

Sources