Who played bass on Walk on the Wild Side?

Herbie Flowers played bass on the track, famously performing both upright bass and electric bass parts that were layered together. This dual bass approach created the distinctive walking bassline that became one of the most recognizable bass parts in rock music.

What bass guitar was used on Walk on the Wild Side?

The session featured both an upright acoustic bass and an electric bass, though the specific model of electric bass hasn't been definitively documented. The electric bass was played with a muted technique and layered with the upright bass.

How to get Walk on the Wild Side bass tone?

Use flatwound strings on your bass, play with a clean, warm tone, and focus on smooth articulation. If possible, layer an upright bass sound with a muted electric bass to recreate Herbie Flowers' original approach.

Where was Walk on the Wild Side recorded?

The song was recorded at Trident Studios in London, with David Bowie and Mick Ronson serving as producers. Trident was known for its excellent acoustics and high-end recording equipment during the early 1970s.

Why does Walk on the Wild Side bass sound so distinctive?

The distinctive sound comes from Herbie Flowers' technique of layering both upright bass and muted electric bass parts. This created a fuller, more complex bass sound than using just one instrument alone.

bass guitar from "walk on the wild side" by lou reed

walk on the wild side

lou reed

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A warm, upright bass sound providing a smooth and melodic foundation. The tone is clean and articulate with a slight roundness, fitting perfectly within the song's laid-back and jazzy atmosphere.

Shop This Rig

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Alembic Bass(instrument)
Neumann U47(mic)

The Story

Herbie Flowers famously played both upright bass and electric bass on this track, recorded at Trident Studios in London with David Bowie and Mick Ronson producing. The bass parts were layered together to create the distinctive walking bassline that anchors the song. The upright bass provides the melodic foundation while a muted electric bass adds rhythmic support.

Production Credits

Producer: David Bowie, Mick Ronson

Recorded at: Trident Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Alembic BassShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use an upright bass or a bass guitar with flatwound strings.
Record the bass cleanly, focusing on capturing the natural tone of the instrument.
Use a condenser microphone placed a few feet away from the bass to capture a full and balanced sound.
Consider using a touch of compression to even out the dynamics.
Roll off any excessive high frequencies to achieve a warm, smooth tone.

Original Gear

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Alembic BassShop on Reverb(bass)
Neumann U47Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

NS Design NXT4a Upright BassShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,500

Alternative to: Upright acoustic bass

Electric upright that captures the acoustic tone and feel needed for this track's walking bassline

Fender Player Precision Bass with Flatwound StringsShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Electric bass with flatwound strings

P-bass with flats delivers the warm, muted electric bass tone that Herbie Flowers layered with the upright

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Studio condenser microphone

Large diaphragm condenser that captures the full, balanced upright bass sound at a moderate distance

Universal Audio 1176 PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$300

Alternative to: Vintage studio compressor

Provides the gentle compression needed to even out dynamics on the walking bassline

Warm Audio WA-47Shop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Neumann U47 microphone

Tube condenser mic that recreates the warm, full sound of the original Neumann used on the session

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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bass guitar from “walk on the wild side” by lou reed | ToneDB