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bass guitar from “roxanne” by the police | ToneDB

roxanne

the police

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A clean and punchy bass tone with a slightly compressed and bright character. It provides a solid foundation for the song without being overly aggressive or distorted.

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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Production Credits

Producer: Nigel Gray

Engineer: Nigel Gray

Recorded at: Surrey Sound Studios

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: Neumann U47

Processing: Urei 1176

Recording Notes

  • The bass was likely recorded with a direct input signal blended with a mic'd amplifier cabinet.
  • Compression was used to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
  • The Neumann U47 was placed several feet from the cabinet to capture the full sound of the amp.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Precision Bass and flatwound strings for a similar fundamental tone.
  • Use an Ampeg SVT or similar tube amplifier to add warmth and punch.
  • Apply moderate compression with a Urei 1176 to control dynamics and add sustain.
  • Blend a direct input signal with a mic'd amplifier cabinet for added clarity and definition.

Original Gear

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

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision Bass$800-$900

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Delivers the same punchy P-Bass fundamentals that define this clean, compressed tone at a more accessible price point

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-CL$2200-$2500

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Current production version of the classic SVT tube head that provides the warm, punchy tube saturation essential to this tone

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-7 Pro$800-$900

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern Class D head that captures much of the SVT character at a fraction of the weight and cost

ReverbSweetwater
Universal Audio 1176 Plugin$300-$350

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Authentic emulation of the 1176's fast attack compression that tightens and sustains the bass without over-squashing

ReverbSweetwater
Warm Audio WA76$400-$450

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Hardware recreation of the 1176 circuit that provides the same dynamic control and sustain character

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Neumann U47

Budget-friendly dynamic mic that captures the punch and clarity when placed a few feet from the bass cab

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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