What bass did John Paul Jones use on Misty Mountain Hop?

John Paul Jones used a Fender Jazz Bass on 'Misty Mountain Hop.' The Jazz Bass was one of his primary instruments throughout Led Zeppelin's recording career and provided the articulate, punchy tone heard on this track.

What amp did John Paul Jones use for Led Zeppelin IV bass tones?

John Paul Jones used an Ampeg SVT head and cabinet for the bass tones on Led Zeppelin IV, including 'Misty Mountain Hop.' The SVT was his go-to amplifier and provided the warm, powerful tube sound that became his signature.

How to get John Paul Jones bass tone on Misty Mountain Hop?

Start with a Fender Jazz Bass through an Ampeg SVT or quality emulation. Focus on a clean, warm tone with slight emphasis on low-mids for punch. The key is the natural compression and warmth of the SVT tubes combined with the Jazz Bass's articulate pickup response.

Where was Misty Mountain Hop bass recorded?

The bass on 'Misty Mountain Hop' was recorded at Headley Grange using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio in 1971. Andy Johns engineered the sessions with Jimmy Page producing, capturing the natural room sound of the Victorian mansion.

What microphone was used on John Paul Jones bass?

While the exact microphone setup hasn't been definitively confirmed in interviews, premium large-diaphragm tube microphones like the Neumann U47 were commonly used during these sessions. The recording captures both the direct sound of the cabinet and some natural room ambience.

bass guitar from "misty mountain hop" by led zeppelin

misty mountain hop

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Tone Profile

A warm and punchy bass tone that provides a solid foundation for the track, characterized by its clear articulation and controlled sustain.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Jazz Bass(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)

The Story

John Paul Jones recorded 'Misty Mountain Hop' using his Fender Jazz Bass through an Ampeg SVT head and cabinet at Headley Grange in 1971. The track was engineered by Andy Johns with Jimmy Page producing, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio truck. The bass tone features the characteristic warmth and punch of the SVT paired with the articulate mid-range presence of the Jazz Bass.

Production Credits

Producer: Jimmy Page

Engineer: Andy Johns

Recorded at: Headley Grange

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Jazz BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Jazz Bass and ensure it is well set up for optimal tone and playability.
Use an Ampeg SVT amplifier or a plugin emulation of the SVT to get that classic, warm bass sound.
Experiment with microphone placement on the cabinet to find the sweet spot that captures the low-end punch and clarity.
Adjust the EQ settings to achieve a balanced tone with a slight emphasis on the low-mid frequencies.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Jazz BassShop on Reverb$750-$850

Alternative to: Fender Jazz Bass

Modern version of JPJ's instrument with the same pickup configuration and tonal characteristics that provide the articulate mid-range presence heard on the track

Ampeg SVT-CL ClassicShop on Reverb$2000-$2400

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Current production version of the classic SVT that delivers the same warm tube saturation and powerful low-end that defines this tone

Ampeg SVT-810EShop on Reverb$1400-$1600

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT Cabinet

The classic 8x10 cabinet configuration that provides the massive low-end and mid-range punch essential to recreating this studio sound

Neural DSP Darkglass UltraPlugin Boutique$90-$120

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Digital emulation that captures SVT tube warmth and compression, perfect for home recording without the volume requirements

Squier Classic Vibe Jazz BassShop on Reverb$350-$450