bass guitar from “call me” by blondie | ToneDB
call me
blondie
bass guitar
95% ai confidence
Tone Profile
A driving, punchy, and articulate bass tone with a distinct pick attack and bright upper-mid presence, cutting through the mix with relentless energy.
Signal Chain
Instrument: Fender Precision Bass (likely a late '70s model, possibly black)
Amp: Direct Input (DI) into a Harrison mixing console
Processing: Urei 1176 (compression), Harrison console EQ
Other: Played with a pick, likely using roundwound strings for brightness and attack. The DI signal was the primary source.
Recording Notes
- The bass was recorded direct into the mixing console, a common practice for achieving a clean, punchy sound, especially in productions by Giorgio Moroder.
- A Urei 1176 compressor was used to control dynamics and add sustain, contributing to the consistent drive of the bassline.
- EQ was applied via the Harrison console to shape the tone, likely enhancing the upper-mids for pick attack and clarity, and ensuring a solid low-end foundation.
- Nigel Harrison's aggressive pick playing style was crucial to the tone's attack and bright character.
Recreation Tips
- Use a Fender Precision Bass or a P-style bass with passive electronics.
- Play with a medium to heavy pick, attacking the strings consistently and relatively close to the bridge for a brighter, more defined attack.
- Use fresh roundwound strings (e.g., Rotosound Swing Bass 66).
- Record direct into your audio interface. If using an amp modeler, bypass the cabinet simulation or use a very clean preamp model.
- Apply compression with a fast attack and medium release to emulate the Urei 1176. Aim for significant gain reduction on peaks to even out the performance and add punch.
- Use EQ to boost upper-mids (around 800Hz - 2kHz) to bring out the pick attack and help the bass cut through.
- Ensure a solid low-end (around 60-100Hz) but be careful not to make it boomy; clarity is key.
- A slight boost in the high frequencies (5kHz+) can add to the brightness if needed.
Recommended Gear
- Fender American Vintage II 1960 Precision Bass(guitar)
- Fender Player Precision Bass(guitar)
- Universal Audio LA-610 MkII Channel Strip (includes 1176-style compression)(preamp)
- Warm Audio WA76 Discrete Compressor(processing)
- Arturia Comp FET-76 (Plugin)(processing)
- Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2(pedal)
- Rotosound RS66LD Swing Bass 66 Stainless Steel Roundwound Bass Strings (.045-.105)(strings)
- Dunlop Tortex Standard Pick 1.0mm(pick)