What bass did Carlos Dengler use on Interpol's Evil?

Carlos Dengler used a Fender Precision Bass on "Evil." The Precision Bass's split-coil pickup configuration was key to achieving the articulate, punchy tone heard on the track.

How to get Interpol Evil bass tone?

Use a Fender Precision Bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier with a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI for added grit. Blend both direct and amplified signals, focusing on a round low-end with clear articulation in the mids and highs.

What amp did Interpol use for bass on Evil?

The bass on "Evil" was recorded using an Ampeg SVT-VR amplifier. This tube amp provided the warmth and body that complements the direct signal for the full, driving bass tone.

What pedals did Carlos Dengler use on Evil?

Carlos Dengler used a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI on "Evil." This pedal added overdrive and grit to the bass signal while also serving as a tone shaper and direct input box.

Where was Interpol Evil recorded?

"Evil" was recorded at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with Peter Katis producing. The studio environment contributed to the clear, professional sound of the bass recording.

bass guitar from "evil" by interpol

evil

interpol

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A driving, clean bass tone with a slightly dark and round character that provides a solid foundation for the song. It's articulate enough to follow the complex basslines, with a clear fundamental and subtle harmonic content.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Precision Bass(instrument)
Ampeg SVT-VR(amp)
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI(processing)

The Story

Carlos Dengler's bass tone on "Evil" was achieved using a Fender Precision Bass through an Ampeg SVT-VR amplifier, with a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI providing additional grit and tone shaping. The recording was done at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT, produced by Peter Katis, likely using a combination of direct input and amplified signal to capture both clarity and warmth.

Production Credits

Producer: Peter Katis

Engineer: Greg Calbi, Howie Weinberg

Recorded at: Tarquin Studios, Bridgeport, CT

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVT-VRShop on Reverb

Processing: Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DIShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Precision Bass or similar bass with a split-coil pickup.
Use an Ampeg SVT-VR amp to capture the warmth and punch of the bass.
Introduce a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI pedal to add some grit and overdrive to the bass signal.
Adjust the EQ on the amp and pedal to achieve the desired tone. Focus on boosting the low-end for a round sound and adding a touch of high-end for clarity.
Blend the DI and amp signals to create a balanced tone that is both articulate and full.

Original Gear

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Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb(guitar)
Ampeg SVT-VRShop on Reverb(amp)
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DIShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision BassShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Provides the split-coil P-bass pickup character essential for that articulate, punchy fundamental tone at a budget-friendly price point

Ampeg SVT-7PROShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT-VR

Modern Class D version of the SVT sound with the same warmth and punch but more practical power and weight for today's players

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2Shop on Reverb$200-$220

Alternative to: Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Updated version of the exact pedal used, providing the same grit, overdrive, and tone shaping capabilities

Neural DSP Darkglass SuitePlugin Boutique$100-$130

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT-VR

Software solution that can emulate vintage Ampeg tones with precise control over the amp and cabinet modeling for home recording

Fender Player Precision BassShop on Reverb$800-$850