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bass guitar from “london calling” by the clash | ToneDB

london calling

the clash

bass guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A raw and punchy bass tone that drives the song's energy, characterized by a slightly overdriven sound with a strong fundamental. It's a sound that is gritty and present, cutting through the mix without being overly polished.

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The Story

The bass on 'London Calling' was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London, with production by Guy Stevens and engineering by Bill Price. The setup consisted of a Fender Precision Bass running through an Ampeg SVT amp, captured with an AKG D12 microphone. This combination delivered the punchy, slightly overdriven bass tone that drives the track's energy and cuts through The Clash's dense mix.

Production Credits

Producer: Guy Stevens

Engineer: Bill Price

Recorded at: Wessex Sound Studios, London

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Precision Bass for its iconic sound.
  • Use an Ampeg SVT or a plugin emulation of it to get the core tone.
  • Experiment with the gain staging on the SVT to find the sweet spot between clean and overdriven.
  • If miking an amp, try an AKG D12 or similar dynamic microphone.
  • Consider adding a touch of compression to even out the performance and enhance the sustain.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision BassShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Modern version of the classic P-Bass that provides the same split-coil pickup aggression and fundamental tone

Ampeg SVT-CLShop on Reverb$2200-$2500

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Current reissue of the classic SVT tube head that provides the same warm overdrive and massive low-end presence

Ampeg SVT-7PROShop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

More affordable Class D alternative that captures much of the SVT character with modern reliability

Plugin Alliance Ampeg SVT-VRPlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Official Ampeg plugin that models the SVT's tube saturation and EQ characteristics for direct recording

AKG D112Shop on Reverb$150-$200

Alternative to: AKG D12

Modern successor to the D12 with similar punch-capturing characteristics and extended low-frequency response

Sources

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