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bass guitar from “another one bites the dust” by queen | ToneDB

another one bites the dust

queen

bass guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A dry, punchy, and percussive bass tone with exceptional clarity and rhythmic drive, defining the song's iconic groove.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Music Man StingRay Bass (likely a 1978/79 model)

Amp: Direct Input (DI) into mixing console (likely Neve at Musicland Studios)

Processing: Studio Console Compression (subtle), Studio Console EQ (subtle shaping)

Other: Played fingerstyle, likely near the bridge pickup for enhanced attack. The StingRay's active preamp significantly shapes the core tone.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Musicland Studios, Munich.
  • The dominant sound is likely the direct input signal, prized for its clarity and definition.
  • Minimal effects were used; the tone relies heavily on the instrument and playing technique.
  • Flatwound strings or well-worn roundwounds likely used to reduce brightness and enhance fundamental thump.
  • John Deacon's precise fingerstyle technique with careful muting is crucial to the sound.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a bass with an active humbucker pickup, preferably a Music Man StingRay or similar.
  • Favor the bridge pickup or blend towards it.
  • Play fingerstyle with consistent attack, focusing on rhythmic precision and rests.
  • Use subtle compression to even out dynamics without squashing the transients.
  • Keep the tone relatively dry; avoid reverb or delay.
  • Consider using flatwound strings or older roundwounds.
  • Boost low-mids (around 200-400Hz) slightly and perhaps cut some high-mids (around 800Hz-1kHz) for warmth and punch.

Sources