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bass guitar from “burning down the house” by talking heads | ToneDB

burning down the house

talking heads

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Fender Precision Bassinstrument
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Ampeg SVTamp
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Neumann U47microphone
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Urei 1176processing
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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 Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: Neumann U47

Processing: Urei 1176

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

  • Fender Precision Bass(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • Neumann U47(mic)
  • Urei 1176(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass$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

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Ampeg SVT-VR$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

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Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VR$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

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Warm Audio WA76$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

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Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection$300-$350

Alternative to: Urei 1176

UAD's modeling captures the 1176's signature compression character that adds punch while controlling the P-Bass dynamics

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Sources

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