TONEDB

bass guitar from “every breath you take” by the police | ToneDB

every breath you take

the police

bass guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A deep, warm, and articulate fretless bass tone with a prominent 'mwah' and smooth sustain, serving as a melodic counterpoint.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Van Zalinge Electric Upright Bass

Amp: Direct Input (to mixing console's preamp)

Processing: Studio Compression (e.g., Urei 1176 or dbx 160)

Other: Signal fed directly into the mixing console. The sound is characterized by the unique tone of the electric upright and Sting's fretless playing technique.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded primarily at Utopia Studios, London, with overdubs at Le Studio, Quebec.
  • Produced by The Police and Hugh Padgham.
  • The bassline was DI'd (Direct Injected) into the mixing console, as confirmed by producer Hugh Padgham.
  • Sting played his Dutch-made Van Zalinge electric upright bass, which has a unique, direct, and powerful sound.
  • The bass part is highly melodic and integral to the song's harmonic structure, not just a rhythmic foundation.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a fretless bass; an electric upright bass is ideal, but a fretless electric bass guitar can provide a similar character.
  • Prioritize a clean, high-quality DI signal path. A good DI box and preamp are beneficial.
  • Apply subtle compression to even out dynamics and enhance sustain without squashing the tone.
  • Focus on achieving the characteristic 'mwah' sound by adjusting finger pressure, vibrato, and articulation on the fretless fingerboard.
  • Experiment with plucking hand position; plucking closer to the neck generally yields a warmer, rounder tone suitable for this style.
  • While the original is quite clean, a very subtle touch of chorus can sometimes be used to enhance the fretless 'bloom' if needed, but use with extreme caution for this specific song.

Sources