What bass did Peter Hook use on Sub-Culture?

Peter Hook used a Yamaha BB1200 bass guitar on "Sub-Culture." This instrument was part of his regular setup during New Order's mid-80s period and contributed to the clear, defined tone heard on the track.

How to get New Order Sub-Culture bass tone?

To recreate the "Sub-Culture" bass tone, use a clear-sounding bass like a Yamaha BB series through an Ampeg SVT amplifier. Add subtle chorus using a Roland Dimension D or similar effect, and blend direct input with a miked amp signal for clarity and punch.

What amp did Peter Hook use on Sub-Culture?

Peter Hook used an Ampeg SVT amplifier for the bass sound on "Sub-Culture." The SVT's tube-driven character provided the punch and warmth that anchors the track's driving rhythm section.

What is the chorus effect on New Order Sub-Culture bass?

The chorus effect on the "Sub-Culture" bass comes from a Roland Dimension D, which adds subtle spatial enhancement and width to the bass tone. This effect was commonly used on 80s recordings and is key to achieving that era's characteristic bass sound.

Where was New Order Sub-Culture recorded?

"Sub-Culture" was recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London with engineer Michael Johnson. The studio's facilities allowed for the combination of direct input and miked amplifier recording that contributed to the bass tone's clarity.

bass guitar from "sub-culture" by new order

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Tone Profile

A clean, defined bass tone with a slight edge and subtle chorus/modulation, providing a solid foundation for the song's driving rhythm. It has a distinct 80s synth-bass vibe.

Shop This Rig

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Yamaha BB1200(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)
Roland Dimension D(processing)

The Story

The bass sound on New Order's "Sub-Culture" features a Yamaha BB1200 bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier, with the subtle chorus effect provided by a Roland Dimension D. The recording was done at Britannia Row Studios in London with engineer Michael Johnson, using a blend of direct input and miked amplifier to achieve the clarity and punch characteristic of the track.

Production Credits

Producer: Unknown

Engineer: Michael Johnson

Recorded at: Britannia Row Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Yamaha BB1200Shop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Processing: Roland Dimension DShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a bass that has a clear and defined tone, like a Yamaha BB series or similar.
Use an Ampeg SVT or an amp model that emulates its characteristics.
Add a touch of chorus or spatial enhancement using a Roland Dimension D plugin or similar effect. Keep the effect subtle to avoid overpowering the fundamental tone.
Blend a direct input signal with a miked amplifier signal to get the desired clarity and punch.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Yamaha BB434Shop on Reverb$300-$400

Alternative to: Yamaha BB1200

Modern BB series bass that maintains the clear, defined tone of the BB1200 with similar pickup configuration and sonic character

Ampeg SVT-CLShop on Reverb$2000-$2500

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Current production SVT that delivers the same tube-driven punch and warmth as the vintage SVT used on the recording

Boss DC-2W Dimension CShop on Reverb$150-$180

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Waza Craft recreation of the Dimension D circuit that provides the same subtle chorus and spatial enhancement

UAD Roland Dimension DPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Authentic plugin emulation of the original Dimension D, perfect for getting that subtle 80s chorus effect in the mix

IK Multimedia Ampeg SVT-4 ProPlugin Boutique$100-$150