TONEDB

bass guitar from “stir it up” by bob marley & the wailers | ToneDB

stir it up

bob marley & the wailers

bass guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A deep, warm, and round bass tone with a prominent, articulate melodic presence, providing a weighty yet smooth foundation. The sound is characterized by its strong fundamental, minimal high-end attack, and a gentle, controlled thud.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Jazz Bass (e.g., early 1960s model, possibly a 1962)

Amp: Direct Input (DI) to mixing console (Dynamic Sound Studios likely had an API or MCI console at the time)

Processing: Heavy gauge flatwound strings (e.g., La Bella 760M .052-.110 set), Bass's tone control rolled almost completely off (to approx. 10-20% of its full range)

Other: Played fingerstyle, typically plucking gently but firmly near the neck or over the neck pickup. A foam mute placed under the strings near the bridge was crucial for dampening sustain and enhancing the percussive 'thump'.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in 1972, primarily at Dynamic Sound Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, for the 'Catch a Fire' album.
  • Aston 'Family Man' Barrett's bass was recorded entirely direct into the mixing console, with no amplifier or microphone used for the bass signal.
  • The bass line functions as a core melodic element and rhythmic anchor, a hallmark of reggae music.
  • The recording has a characteristic warmth from analog tape, which would have also contributed natural saturation and light compression to the overall sound.
  • Minimal processing was applied during tracking, with the core tone coming from the instrument, strings, playing technique, and DI signal path.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Jazz Bass (or a similar passive bass like a Precision Bass) equipped with heavy gauge flatwound strings.
  • Roll the tone knob on your bass down significantly, to about 10-20% of its maximum value.
  • Employ a fingerstyle playing technique, plucking the strings gently but firmly. Experiment with plucking closer to the neck or over the neck pickup for a warmer, rounder tone.
  • Crucially, place a piece of foam (e.g., dense weather stripping, a piece of sponge) under the strings, right in front of the bridge saddles. This mute is key to achieving the characteristic short sustain and percussive attack.
  • Connect your bass directly to your audio interface, preferably using a high-quality passive DI box (like a Radial JDI) or an active DI box known for warmth (like an A Designs REDDI).
  • In your DAW, apply subtle EQ: consider a gentle boost in the low frequencies (around 60-100 Hz) and a roll-off of high frequencies (e.g., above 4-5 kHz).
  • Use light compression to even out dynamics and add sustain, mimicking the effect of tape saturation or vintage console compressors. An LA-2A style compressor is a good choice.

Sources