What bass did Talking Heads use on Burning Down the House?

The bass on 'Burning Down the House' was recorded using a Fender Precision Bass. This classic instrument provided the punchy, articulate foundation that drives the song's rhythm.

How to get Talking Heads bass tone on Burning Down the House?

Use a Fender Precision Bass played with a pick through an Ampeg SVT amplifier. Apply 1176-style compression for punch and blend both direct input and mic'd amp signals for clarity and fullness.

What amp was used for Talking Heads Burning Down the House bass?

An Ampeg SVT amplifier was used for the bass sound on 'Burning Down the House'. The amp was mic'd with a Neumann U47 and likely blended with a direct input signal.

Where was Talking Heads Burning Down the House recorded?

The song was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in New York City with engineer Butch Jones. This studio was known for its excellent bass recording capabilities.

What compression was used on Talking Heads bass sound?

A Urei 1176 compressor was used to process the bass on 'Burning Down the House'. This compressor added the punch and controlled dynamics that characterize the track's bass sound.

bass guitar from "burning down the house" by talking heads

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Tone Profile

A clean and punchy bass sound with a slightly compressed and articulate character. It provides a solid foundation for the song's rhythmic drive.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Precision Bass(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)
Urei 1176(processing)

The Story

The bass on 'Burning Down the House' was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios with engineer Butch Jones. The signal chain consisted of a Fender Precision Bass played through an Ampeg SVT amplifier, recorded with a Neumann U47 microphone and processed through a Urei 1176 compressor. The bass was likely captured using both a direct input signal and the mic'd amplifier to achieve its clean, punchy character with controlled dynamics.

Production Credits

Producer: David Byrne

Engineer: Butch Jones

Recorded at: Sigma Sound Studios (NYC)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Processing: Urei 1176Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Precision Bass and play with a pick for a similar attack.
Use an Ampeg SVT model (plugin or amp) for the fundamental tone.
Apply compression using a Urei 1176-style plugin to achieve the desired punch and sustain.
Blend a direct input signal with the amp signal for added clarity and definition.
Experiment with microphone placement on the amp to find the sweet spot.

Original Gear

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Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb(guitar)
Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb(amp)
Neumann U47Shop on Reverb(mic)
Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision BassShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Delivers the fundamental P-Bass tone with split-coil pickup character needed for this punchy, articulate sound at a budget-friendly price

Ampeg SVT-VRShop on Reverb$2,200-$2,500

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern reissue of the classic SVT circuit that provides the same tube warmth and punch heard on the original recording

Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VRPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Official Ampeg plugin modeling that captures the SVT's tube saturation and cabinet response for this clean yet full bass tone

Warm Audio WA76Shop on Reverb$450-$500

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Faithful 1176 clone that provides the same fast attack and punch control that shaped the dynamics on this track

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionPlugin Boutique$300-$350