bass guitar from “orion” by metallica | ToneDB
orion
metallica
bass guitar
AI generatedv1.0
Tone Profile
A scooped mid, aggressive, and articulate bass tone with a clear high-end presence, providing a solid foundation for the song's intricate instrumental arrangement. The tone is both powerful and precise, allowing for the complex bass lines to cut through the mix.
Gear
- Alembic Series I/IIinstrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Ampeg SVTamp
- ReverbSweetwater
- Pro Co RATprocessing
- ReverbSweetwater
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The Story
Cliff Burton's bass tone on "Orion" was built around his Alembic Series I or II bass guitar, which featured active electronics that provided the clarity and articulation heard on the track. He ran through an Ampeg SVT amplifier and used a modified Pro Co RAT distortion pedal that was customized by Craig Calhoun to his specifications. The combination of the Alembic's high-end clarity and the modified RAT's aggressive distortion created the signature scooped, powerful tone that cuts through Metallica's dense guitar mix.
Production Credits
Producer: Flemming Rasmussen
Engineer: Flemming Rasmussen
Recorded at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen
Signal Chain
Instrument: Alembic Series I/II
Amp: Ampeg SVT
Processing: Pro Co RAT
Recreation Tips
- Start with an Alembic-style bass or any bass with active electronics to get a similar clarity.
- Use an Ampeg SVT model known for its clean punch, then add a distortion pedal with a wide range of gain.
- Scoop the mids slightly on the amp or with an EQ plugin to create space for the guitar frequencies.
- Use a compressor to even out the dynamics and enhance sustain.
Original Gear
- Alembic Series I/II(bass)
- Ampeg SVT(amp)
- Pro Co RAT(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Alembic Series I/II bass
Active electronics and through-neck construction provide similar clarity and sustain to the Alembic, with excellent high-end articulation for complex bass lines
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Ampeg SVT amplifier
Modern reissue of the classic SVT circuit that provides the same powerful clean foundation and midrange punch Burton used
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Modified Pro Co RAT pedal
Provides similar aggressive distortion character with blend control to maintain low-end clarity like Burton's modified RAT
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Pro Co RAT distortion
Digital modeling of aggressive bass distortion tones with precise EQ control to recreate the scooped midrange character
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Alembic Series bass
Active EMG pickups and through-neck design deliver similar clarity and aggressive tone characteristics to Burton's Alembic
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
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