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bass guitar from “for whom the bell tolls” by metallica | ToneDB

for whom the bell tolls

metallica

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A gritty, aggressive bass tone with a punchy low-end and clear mid-range, perfect for driving heavy riffs. The sound is raw and powerful, cutting through the mix with authority.

Gear

Alembic Series I or Series IIinstrument
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Ampeg SVTamp
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Neumann U47microphone
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Alembic Series Iguitar
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The Story

Cliff Burton's bass tone on "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was recorded using his Alembic bass through an Ampeg SVT head and cabinet at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen. Producer Flemming Rasmussen captured the sound using a combination of direct input and a miked amplifier, likely with a Neumann U47, which was characteristic of the studio's approach during the Master of Puppets sessions. The aggressive, cutting tone became a defining element of Burton's sound and Metallica's early records.

Production Credits

Producer: Flemming Rasmussen

Engineer: Flemming Rasmussen

Recorded at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen

Signal Chain

Instrument: Alembic Series I or Series II

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: Neumann U47

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a bass that has a similar tonal quality to the Alembic. If you don't have an Alembic, try a bass with active electronics and a bright, clear tone.
  • Use an Ampeg SVT amp or amp simulator. Dial in a moderate amount of gain to get a slightly overdriven sound.
  • Blend a direct input signal with the miked amp signal to achieve a balanced tone. Adjust the blend to taste.
  • Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and add punch. Be careful not to over-compress the signal.
  • Experiment with EQ to shape the tone. Boost the low-end for a powerful sound and cut any muddiness in the low-mid frequencies.

Original Gear

  • Alembic Series I(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • Neumann U47(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Spector Euro4 LX$1,200-$1,500

Alternative to: Alembic Series I/II Bass

Active electronics and clear, bright tone similar to Alembic's characteristics, with excellent mid-range definition for cutting through heavy mixes

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT Head

Modern reissue of the classic SVT that Burton used, providing the same tube warmth and aggressive overdrive capabilities

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Parallax Bass Plugin$100-$120

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT Head

Includes accurate SVT amp modeling with DI blending capabilities, perfect for recreating the recorded tone at home

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Neumann U47 Microphone

Budget alternative that captures the aggressive midrange character needed for this tone, commonly used on bass cabs

ReverbSweetwater
Yamaha TRBX604FM$500-$600

Alternative to: Alembic Series I/II Bass

Active preamp system provides similar tonal flexibility and clarity as Alembic basses at a much lower price point

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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