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bass guitar from “separate ways” by journey | ToneDB

separate ways

journey

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A powerful, bright, and articulate electric bass tone with a distinct pick attack and strong midrange, forming the driving rhythmic foundation. This electric bass sound is famously layered with a synthesizer bass in the final mix to create the full bass texture heard on the record.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Alembic Series I Bass (or a modified Fender Precision Bass)

Amp: Ampeg SVT head with Ampeg SVT-810 8x10 cabinet

Microphone: Electro-Voice RE20

Processing: Direct Input (DI) signal, Urei 1176 (studio compressor), Console EQ (e.g., API or Neve channel strip)

Other: Blend of DI signal (for low-end clarity and fundamental) and mic'd amp signal (for midrange character and growl). Played with a hard pick. Fresh Rotosound Swing Bass 66 roundwound strings. The final prominent 'bass sound' in the track is a layer of this electric bass with an Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA, for the 1983 album *Frontiers*.
  • Produced by Kevin Elson and Mike Stone, known for their polished and powerful rock sound.
  • The signature bass line is a combination of Ross Valory's electric bass and Jonathan Cain's Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer playing in unison or harmony, creating a thick, cutting sound.
  • The electric bass part emphasizes a tight, driving eighth-note rhythm locked in with drummer Steve Smith.
  • Fresh strings and pick usage were crucial for the bright, articulate attack of the electric bass.
  • The DI signal provided a clean fundamental, while the mic'd amp added warmth, growl, and midrange complexity.

Recreation Tips

  • Use an active bass (like an Alembic or a Fender P-Bass with an active preamp/pickups) for clarity and punch. Failing that, a standard P-Bass with bright, new roundwound strings can get close.
  • Play with a reasonably stiff pick, focusing on consistent downstrokes for the main riff's driving feel. Experiment with picking closer to the bridge for more bite.
  • If possible, blend a DI signal with a mic'd amplifier. An Ampeg SVT or a quality emulation (plugin or pedal) is ideal for the amp tone.
  • Apply compression (e.g., an 1176-style compressor plugin or pedal like the Origin Effects Cali76) to even out dynamics, add sustain, and enhance punch.
  • Use EQ to shape the tone: boost low-mids (200-400Hz) for warmth and punch, and upper-mids (1kHz-2.5kHz) for pick attack and clarity. Cut excessive sub-bass if needed.
  • To fully replicate the song's iconic bass sound, layer your electric bass recording with a synthesizer bass patch (emulating an Oberheim OB-Xa or similar analog synth) playing the same part or a harmony.

Sources