Tone Profile

A monstrous wall of fuzz, doom-laden and incredibly heavy. This bass tone is the foundation of Electric Wizard's signature sound, characterized by its thick, saturated distortion and overwhelming low-end.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The bass was likely recorded with a combination of direct input and a mic'd amplifier.
• Multiple takes were potentially layered to achieve the incredibly thick sound.
• The use of the Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz is crucial for achieving the saturated and aggressive distortion.
• The Orange OR120 amplifier provides a warm, vintage-style foundation, but almost any high-wattage tube amp will work.
• Consider using a noise gate to tame any unwanted hum or buzz from the fuzz pedal.
• Double tracking or even quad tracking the bass can thicken the sound.
• Careful EQ adjustments are necessary to prevent the low end from becoming muddy.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Rickenbacker 4003 or similar bass with humbucker pickups.
• Use an Orange OR120 or comparable high-wattage tube amplifier.
• Engage the Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz pedal and adjust the settings to achieve a thick, saturated distortion.
• Experiment with different microphone placements to find the sweet spot for your amplifier.
• Combine a direct input signal with the mic'd amplifier signal for added clarity and low-end definition.
• Consider double-tracking or quad-tracking the bass to further enhance the thickness of the sound.
• Use EQ to shape the tone and ensure that the low end remains clear and defined.
• Slight compression can help to even out the dynamics and add sustain.

Original Gear

• Rickenbacker 4003(guitar)
• Orange OR120(amp)
• Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)