TONEDB

bass guitar from “give it away” by red hot chili peppers | ToneDB

give it away

red hot chili peppers

bass guitar

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Punchy, articulate, and aggressive with a prominent midrange growl and clear percussive attack, defining the song's iconic funk-rock groove. The tone is relatively clean, allowing Flea's dynamic slap and pop technique to shine through with minimal processing.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Wal Mach II bass

Amp: Gallien-Krueger 800RB head with Mesa/Boogie bass cabinet (likely 2x15 or similar)

Microphone: Sennheiser MD421 or Electro-Voice RE20

Processing: DI Box (for clean direct signal to console)

Other: DI signal blended with mic'd amp signal at the console. Minimal to no EQ or compression applied during tracking. Aggressive slap/pop playing technique. GHS Boomers strings (e.g., M3045 .045-.105 gauge).

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at The Mansion in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, known for its unique acoustic environment.
  • Produced by Rick Rubin and engineered by Brendan O'Brien, focusing on a raw, powerful, and live sound.
  • Flea utilized his Wal Mach II bass, GHS Boomers strings (having recently switched from Rotosound), a Gallien-Krueger 800RB amp, and a Mesa/Boogie cabinet.
  • The bass sound was captured using a blend of a DI signal and a microphone (Sennheiser MD421 or EV RE20) on the amp.
  • According to engineer Brendan O'Brien, there was no EQ and likely no compression used on the bass during tracking, emphasizing the natural tone and Flea's dynamics.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a bass with active electronics and a powerful, articulate pickup system (e.g., a Wal if accessible, or alternatives like a Music Man StingRay, G&L L-2000).
  • Master Flea's aggressive slap and pop technique, paying attention to rhythmic precision, ghost notes, and dynamic range.
  • Use fresh GHS Boomers roundwound strings (medium gauge, e.g., .045-.105) for the characteristic brightness and punch.
  • Employ a Gallien-Krueger 800RB or a similar solid-state amp known for its fast transient response and clear, punchy tone, paired with a quality bass cabinet (e.g., 2x15 or 4x10).
  • Recreate the DI/mic blend: send a clean DI signal and a mic'd amp signal to your interface/mixer and balance them. For the mic, try an MD421 or RE20 aimed at the edge of the speaker cone.
  • Keep processing minimal. Focus on achieving the core tone through instrument choice, strings, playing style, and amp settings rather than relying on effects.

Sources