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bass guitar from “yellow submarine” by the beatles | ToneDB

yellow submarine

the beatles

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Warm and round with a slight fuzz, this bass tone provides a solid foundation for the playful, psychedelic atmosphere of 'Yellow Submarine.' It's thick and supportive, sitting comfortably in the mix without overpowering the other instruments.

Gear

Höfner 500/1instrument
Reverb$3484Sweetwater
Vox AC100amp
Reverb$2599Sweetwater
Neumann U47microphone
ReverbSweetwater

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The Story

Paul McCartney recorded the bass for "Yellow Submarine" using his signature Höfner 500/1 violin bass through a Vox AC100 amplifier at Abbey Road Studios. The track was produced by George Martin with engineer Geoff Emerick, and the warm, slightly fuzzy tone came from the tube saturation of the AC100 amp, with the bass likely recorded using close microphone placement.

Production Credits

Producer: George Martin

Engineer: Geoff Emerick

Recorded at: Abbey Road Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Höfner 500/1

Amp: Vox AC100

Microphone: Neumann U47

Recreation Tips

  • Use a semi-hollow or hollow-body bass to capture the roundness of the tone.
  • Try a tube amplifier or an amp simulator with a slight overdrive to replicate the subtle fuzz.
  • Use an EQ to boost the low-mid frequencies (around 250-500Hz) to enhance the warmth.
  • If you don't have a Neumann U47, try a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a similar frequency response.

Original Gear

  • Höfner 500/1(guitar)
  • Vox AC100(amp)
  • Neumann U47(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Höfner 500/1 Contemporary$400-$500

Alternative to: Höfner 500/1 violin bass

Modern reissue of McCartney's actual bass with the same hollow body construction that creates the warm, round tone fundamental to this sound

ReverbSweetwater
Vox AC30$1800-$2200

Alternative to: Vox AC100 amplifier

Same Vox tube saturation character as the original AC100, providing that subtle fuzz and warmth when driven

ReverbSweetwater
IK Multimedia TONEX Vox AC30$50-$100

Alternative to: Vox AC100 amplifier

Digital recreation of Vox tube amp characteristics including the warm saturation that gives this bass tone its fuzzy edge

ReverbSweetwater
Audio-Technica AT2020$100-$150

Alternative to: Neumann U47 microphone

Large diaphragm condenser that captures bass frequencies well with smooth character, offering similar detail to the U47 at budget price

ReverbSweetwater
Neumann TLM 103$1100-$1300

Alternative to: Neumann U47 microphone

Modern Neumann with similar smooth, detailed character as the vintage U47 for capturing the full frequency range of the bass amp

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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