What bass guitar was used on Massive Attack Angel?

While a Fender Precision Bass is commonly cited for this track, the exact bass model hasn't been definitively confirmed in official interviews or documentation. The tone characteristics suggest a P-bass style instrument with strong low-mid presence.

How to get Massive Attack Angel bass tone?

The key elements are a Precision-style bass through an Ampeg SVT amp, with added harmonic saturation from a SansAmp-type preamp and octave doubling for extra low-end weight. Blending DI and amp signals is crucial for the full sound.

What effects were used on Massive Attack Angel bass?

The bass tone reportedly used Tech 21 SansAmp for subtle overdrive and harmonic enhancement, plus EBS OctaBass for sub-octave thickening. These effects create the dub-influenced depth and vintage character of the sound.

Was Angel by Massive Attack recorded at Abbey Road?

While Abbey Road Studios is mentioned in some sources for this track, the exact recording locations for Massive Attack's sessions aren't always consistently documented across their discography. The professional quality suggests a high-end facility was used.

bass guitar from "angel" by massive attack

angel

massive attack

bass guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A deep, resonant, and slightly distorted bass sound that provides a powerful foundation for the track. It has a vintage, almost dub-like quality with plenty of low-end presence.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Fender Precision Bass(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)
Tech 21 SansAmp(processing)
EBS OctaBass(processing)

Production Credits

Producer: Neil Davidge

Engineer: Lee Stone

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Processing: Tech 21 SansAmpShop on Reverb, EBS OctaBassShop on Reverb

Recording Notes

The bass sound is characterized by a combination of direct input and miked amplifier signals.
The Neumann U47 was likely positioned to capture the full low-end resonance of the Ampeg SVT cabinet.
The Tech 21 SansAmp was used to add subtle overdrive and harmonic richness to the bass tone.
The EBS OctaBass was used to add a sub-octave effect, thickening the low end.

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Precision Bass for its inherent low-mid punch.
Use an Ampeg SVT model, either the real amp or a plugin emulation, as your primary amplifier.
Introduce a SansAmp emulation to provide a foundation of drive.
Experiment with an OctaBass or similar octave pedal to add depth and weight to the lowest frequencies.
Blend a direct input signal with the miked amplifier signal to achieve a balance of clarity and warmth.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb(guitar)
Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb(amp)
Neumann U47Shop on Reverb(mic)
Tech 21 SansAmpShop on Reverb(pedal)
EBS OctaBassShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

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

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Delivers the classic P-bass low-mid punch and fundamental tone needed for this deep, resonant sound at a budget-friendly price point

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

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern SVT head that captures the classic tube warmth and power of the original SVT for this vintage dub-influenced bass tone

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2Shop on Reverb$250-$280

Alternative to: Tech 21 SansAmp

Current version of the classic SansAmp that adds the subtle overdrive and harmonic richness essential to this tone

Boss OC-5 OctaveShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: EBS OctaBass

Modern octave pedal that can deliver the sub-octave thickening needed for the deep, dub-like low end of this bass sound

IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5 Ampeg SVTPlugin Boutique$200-$300