Tone Profile

A deep, round, and heavily muted bass tone with a prominent, driving feel and significant low-end presence. The sound is defined by its percussive attack and quick decay due to muting techniques.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Recorded at Abbey Road Studio Two.
• Heavy studio compression applied during tracking or mixing for sustain and thickness.
• The muted sound was a key component, achieved either mechanically or through playing technique.
• Likely recorded to a Studer J37 4-track or 8-track tape machine, contributing saturation.
• Close micing technique on the bass amplifier cabinet.

Recreation Tips

• Use a Rickenbacker-style bass if possible, otherwise any bass with neck pickup favoured.
• Equip the bass with flatwound strings.
• Employ heavy muting: use foam under the strings by the bridge or use aggressive palm-muting.
• Play with a pick, focusing attack near the neck.
• Use a compressor with moderate attack and release settings to smooth dynamics.
• Boost low-mids (around 200-400Hz) and roll off high frequencies significantly via EQ or tone knob.
• Aim for a clean tube amp sound with plenty of headroom.

Recommended Gear

• Rickenbacker 4001/4003 Bass(guitar)
• Fender Bassman Amp Head(amp)
• La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass Flatwound Strings(other)
• Bass Mute (e.g., NordyMute) or Foam(other)
• UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection (Plugin) or Keeley Bassist Limiting Amplifier(pedal)
• AKG D12VR(mic)