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bass guitar from “spirits in the material world” by the police | ToneDB

spirits in the material world

the police

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A clean, punchy bass tone with a slight chorus effect that gives it a subtle shimmer and width. The overall character is articulate and sits well in the mix without being overly aggressive.

Gear

Fender Jazz Bassinstrument
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Ampeg SVTamp
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AKG D12microphone
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Roland Dimension Dprocessing
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The Story

Sting's bass tone on "Spirits in the Material World" was recorded using his Fender Jazz Bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier at AIR Studios, Montserrat, with producer/engineer Hugh Padgham. The distinctive character comes from the Roland Dimension D chorus unit, which adds subtle width and shimmer to the bass line. The recording utilized both direct input and a miked amplifier signal using an AKG D12 microphone to achieve the punchy yet clear sound that sits perfectly in The Police's sparse arrangements.

Production Credits

Producer: Hugh Padgham, The Police

Engineer: Hugh Padgham

Recorded at: AIR Studios, Montserrat

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Jazz Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: AKG D12

Processing: Roland Dimension D

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Jazz Bass with roundwound strings for a bright, clear fundamental tone.
  • Use an Ampeg SVT amplifier or simulator to capture the low-end punch and warmth.
  • Apply a touch of chorus using the Roland Dimension D to add subtle width and shimmer. Set the chorus rate and depth low for a natural sound.
  • Blend a direct input signal with the miked amplifier signal to achieve the desired balance of clarity and warmth.
  • Use a light touch of compression to even out the dynamics without squashing the tone.

Original Gear

  • Fender Jazz Bass(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • AKG D12(mic)
  • Roland Dimension D(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Jazz Bass$750-$850

Alternative to: Fender Jazz Bass

Current production Jazz Bass with the same pickup configuration and bright, articulate tone character as Sting's original

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-3 Pro$600-$700

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern SVT head that delivers the classic Ampeg punch and warmth in a more practical package

ReverbSweetwater
Boss Dimension C$120-$150

Alternative to: Roland Dimension D

Roland's current production chorus pedal based on the same circuit as the vintage Dimension D, providing identical spatial enhancement

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Darkglass Ultra$100-$140

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

High-quality bass amp simulation that includes vintage SVT models with DI blending capabilities for home recording

ReverbSweetwater
Sire Marcus Miller V7$400-$500

Alternative to: Fender Jazz Bass

Budget-friendly Jazz Bass alternative with similar pickup layout and bright tone, designed by a famous Jazz Bass player

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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