TONEDB

bass guitar from “the chain” by fleetwood mac | ToneDB

the chain

fleetwood mac

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A punchy, articulate, and slightly growling bass tone with a distinctive 'mwah' character from the fretless bass, especially prominent in the song's famous outro. It's clear, powerful, and drives the rhythm while possessing a strong melodic presence.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Alembic Series I Fretless Bass with active electronics

Amp: Direct Input into a high-quality mixing console channel strip (e.g., Neve 1073 or API 512c for preamplification and EQ)

Processing: Console EQ (e.g., Neve 1073 style - subtle low-mid boost for warmth, upper-mid/treble boost for articulation), Console Compression (e.g., Urei 1176 or LA-2A style - moderate, for punch, sustain, and dynamic control), Optional: Very subtle chorus (though much of the 'swirl' is fretless technique and string noise)

Other: Played with a pick for defined attack. Fresh roundwound strings (e.g., Rotosound Swing Bass 66). The Alembic's active electronics are key for initial tone shaping. The characteristic 'mwah' sound is achieved through fretless technique (vibrato, slides) and the interaction of strings with the fingerboard.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded primarily at Criteria Studios, Miami, and the Record Plant in Sausalito and Los Angeles during the extensive 'Rumours' sessions (1976-1977).
  • Engineered and co-produced by Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut.
  • John McVie's bass was predominantly recorded direct into the mixing console to capture its full tonal range and clarity, a common practice for his sound during this era.
  • The iconic outro bassline was reportedly developed by McVie during a studio jam and features a fretless bass, contributing significantly to its unique sound.
  • The song itself was famously assembled from different studio recordings and experiments.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a fretless bass if available; otherwise, emulate fretless characteristics (slides, smooth vibrato, 'mwah') on a fretted bass.
  • Play with a pick, typically between the neck pickup and the bridge, to achieve the necessary attack and brightness.
  • Install fresh roundwound strings (e.g., Rotosound Swing Bass 66) for clarity and growl.
  • Utilize a high-quality DI box feeding into a preamp with EQ (Neve or API emulations are ideal).
  • Apply EQ: boost upper-mids (around 800Hz-2kHz) for articulation and bite, and low-mids (200-400Hz) for warmth. Be cautious with extreme low-end to maintain clarity.
  • Use a compressor (1176 or LA-2A style) with moderate settings (e.g., 4:1 ratio, medium attack, medium/fast release) to even out dynamics, add punch, and enhance sustain.
  • If using a fretless, focus on precise intonation and expressive vibrato to achieve the signature 'mwah' sound.

Sources