TONEDB

bass guitar from “debaser” by pixies | ToneDB

debaser

pixies

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A punchy and bright bass tone with a slightly overdriven edge, providing a solid foundation for the song's energetic and angular sound.

Gear

Fender Precision Bassinstrument
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Ampeg SVTamp
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Neumann U47microphone
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The Story

The bass tone on "Debaser" was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, MA with producer Gil Norton using a Fender Precision Bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier. The recording approach likely blended a direct input signal with a mic'd amplifier to achieve both clarity and warmth, with a Neumann U47 microphone capturing the amp. This created the punchy, slightly overdriven sound that anchors the track's angular energy.

Production Credits

Producer: Gil Norton

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Fort Apache Studios, Cambridge, MA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: Neumann U47

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Precision Bass with flatwound strings to get a similar fundamental tone.
  • Set your amp for a slightly overdriven sound. Avoid excessive distortion.
  • Blend a direct input signal with a miked amp signal. The DI signal should emphasize clarity and punch, while the amp provides warmth.
  • Use a Neumann U47 or similar large diaphragm condenser microphone for recording the amp.

Original Gear

  • Fender Precision Bass(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • Neumann U47(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Delivers authentic P-Bass tone with split-coil pickup fundamentals at budget-friendly price

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-7PRO$800-$900

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern Class D head that maintains the SVT's tube-style warmth and overdrive character

ReverbSweetwater
Darkglass Vintage Microtubes$300-$350

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Provides SVT-style tube saturation and punch for the slightly overdriven edge in this tone

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT4047$400-$450

Alternative to: Neumann U47

Large diaphragm tube condenser that captures similar warmth and body for bass cab recording

ReverbSweetwater
IK Multimedia Ampeg SVT Suite$150-$200

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Official Ampeg modeling that recreates the SVT's tube warmth and overdrive characteristics

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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