Tone Profile

A clean, round, and slightly compressed bass tone that provides a solid foundation for the song. It has a smooth low-end and clear mid-range, allowing the bassline to be both felt and heard distinctly in the mix.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Flea's bass tone on "Californication" is characterized by a direct and punchy sound.
• A blend of direct input (DI) and amplifier signal likely contributed to the final tone, capturing both the clarity of the bass and the warmth of the amp.
• Compression was likely applied during mixing to even out the dynamics and add sustain.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Music Man StingRay bass for its distinct punch and clarity.
• Use a Gallien-Krueger 800RB amp model or similar amp known for its clean and powerful sound.
• Incorporate a SansAmp PSA-1 to add grit and saturation.
• Apply moderate compression to even out the dynamics and enhance sustain.
• Blend a DI signal with the amped signal to achieve a balance of clarity and warmth.

Recommended Gear

• Music Man StingRay(guitar)
• Gallien-Krueger 800RB(amp)
• SansAmp PSA-1(pedal)