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bass guitar from “stand by me” by ben e. king | ToneDB

stand by me

ben e. king

bass guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The bass tone is warm, round, and supportive, providing a solid foundation for the song. It's clean and articulate, with a smooth low-end presence that complements the vocals and other instruments.

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The Story

"Stand By Me" was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The bass tone was likely achieved using a Fender Precision Bass through an Ampeg B-15 tube amplifier, captured with a Neumann U47 microphone. The recording approach typical of the era would have emphasized a clean, warm tube tone with subtle compression to maintain consistent dynamics.

Production Credits

Producer: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

Recorded at: Bell Sound Studios, New York

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Precision Bass or a similar bass with a split-coil pickup configuration.
  • Use an Ampeg B-15 or a similar tube amp known for its warm and round tone.
  • Experiment with microphone placement on the amp to find the sweet spot.
  • Apply gentle compression to the bass signal to control dynamics and add sustain.
  • EQ the bass to emphasize the low-end frequencies while maintaining clarity in the upper mids.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision BassShop on Reverb$700-$850

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Modern version of the classic P-Bass with the same split-coil pickup design that delivers the fundamental warm, punchy tone

Ampeg B-15N Heritage SeriesShop on Reverb$2500-$3000

Alternative to: Ampeg B-15

Faithful reissue of the original B-15 with the same warm tube compression and round low-end character

Ampeg PF-20TShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Ampeg B-15

Budget tube option that captures much of the B-15's warm character in a more affordable package

Universal Audio Ampeg SVT-VR Bass AmpPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Neumann U47 microphone chain

Includes vintage Ampeg modeling with microphone simulation for the classic recorded bass tone

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision BassShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Budget option with vintage-style split-coil pickup that delivers authentic P-Bass fundamentals

Sources

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