bass guitar from “around the world” by red hot chili peppers | ToneDB
around the world
red hot chili peppers
bass guitar
Tone Profile
Aggressive and punchy with a gritty, overdriven character that still retains clarity and note definition. This tone is perfect for driving a high-energy rock song with complex bass lines.
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The Story
Flea used his signature Music Man StingRay bass through an Ampeg SVT-VR amplifier for "Around the World." The aggressive, overdriven character comes from a Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1 preamp, which adds grit while maintaining note definition. The recording combined a direct signal with a miked cabinet using an AKG D112 microphone to achieve the punchy, clear sound that drives the track.
Production Credits
Producer: Rick Rubin
Engineer: Andrew Scheps
Recorded at: Unknown
Signal Chain
Instrument: Music Man StingRayShop on Reverb
Amp: Ampeg SVT-VRShop on Reverb
Microphone: AKG D112Shop on Reverb
Processing: Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a StingRay bass or similar instrument known for its bright and aggressive tone.
- Use a SansAmp PSA-1 or similar preamp/overdrive pedal to add grit and aggression to the signal.
- Dial in an Ampeg SVT model on your amp or amp sim, focusing on a balanced EQ with a slight boost in the low mids.
- If miking a cabinet, experiment with microphone placement to capture the right balance of punch and clarity.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Music Man StingRay
Budget-friendly version of Flea's main bass with the same active electronics and bright, aggressive tone character
Alternative to: Ampeg SVT-VR
Modern Class D head that captures the SVT tube sound in a lighter package, perfect for that classic Ampeg midrange punch
Alternative to: Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1
Compact version of the rackmount PSA-1 with the same tube amp simulation and overdrive characteristics
Alternative to: Ampeg SVT-VR
Official digital recreation of the exact amp model used, with authentic preamp saturation and cabinet modeling
Alternative to: AKG D112
Similar frequency response for bass cab miking with strong low-end capture and midrange punch
Frequently Asked Questions
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