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bass guitar from “time is running out” by muse | ToneDB

time is running out

muse

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A powerful, heavily fuzzed bass tone with a cutting midrange and immense low-end, characterized by its aggressive attack and prominent place in the mix. It's a signature sound blending raw distortion with underlying clarity.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Pedulla Rapture RB5 (5-string bass)

Amp: Marshall DBS 7400 head with a Marshall 4x12 guitar cabinet

Microphone: Shure SM57 (on the Marshall 4x12 cabinet)

Processing: Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi

Other: This primary fuzzed amp signal was crucially blended with a clean DI signal (e.g., from an Avalon U5). Producer Rich Costey stated: 'For 'Time Is Running Out' the bass is mainly the Russian Big Muff through the Marshall head and cabinet, and the DI signal.' Played with a pick.

Recording Notes

  • The core of the sound is an Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi pedal.
  • Producer Rich Costey confirmed the fuzzed signal chain involved a Marshall DBS 7400 head into a Marshall 4x12 guitar cabinet.
  • A clean DI signal was recorded simultaneously and blended with the fuzzed amp signal to retain low-end clarity and attack.
  • Chris Wolstenholme typically plays with a pick, contributing to the aggressive attack present in the recording.
  • Multiple bass signals were often captured during the Absolution sessions, including the DI, the Marshall rig, an Ampeg SVT Classic rig, and an effects blend track, allowing for flexibility in the mix.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a bass with good sustain and output; a Pedulla, Music Man StingRay, or active Fender Jazz Bass would be good starting points.
  • A Green Russian Big Muff Pi (reissue or vintage) is essential. Set sustain high and tone to taste (often brighter to cut through).
  • Split your signal: one path clean (DI), the other through the Big Muff into an amp. Blend these signals. An ABY pedal or a DI with a 'thru' output can achieve this.
  • For the amp, a Marshall-style bass or guitar head (like the DBS 7400 or a Plexi/JCM800 for guitar amps) or an Ampeg SVT can work. Using a guitar 4x12 cabinet for the fuzzed tone, as originally done, will help capture the specific midrange character.
  • Play with a pick, focusing on consistent downstrokes for the main riff's driving feel.
  • Boost midrange frequencies on your amp or with an EQ pedal to help the bass cut through the mix.
  • A noise gate after the fuzz pedal can help manage noise, especially with high sustain settings on the Big Muff.

Sources