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bass guitar from “1979” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB

1979

the smashing pumpkins

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

A warm, round, and slightly compressed bass tone that provides a solid foundation for the song. The sound is clean but with subtle harmonic richness that complements the driving rhythm.

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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The Story

The bass tone on "1979" was recorded during the Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness sessions, produced by Billy Corgan and Flood. The setup featured a Fender Precision Bass running through an Ampeg SVT amplifier, with the signal captured using a Neumann U47 microphone and processed through a Urei 1176 compressor. The recording likely used a blend of the miked amplifier and direct input to achieve both warmth and clarity.

Production Credits

Producer: Billy Corgan, Flood

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: Neumann U47

Processing: Urei 1176

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Precision Bass or similar bass with flatwound strings to get a rounder tone.
  • Dial in a clean, warm tone on an Ampeg SVT or similar bass amplifier.
  • Use a Neumann U47 or similar large-diaphragm microphone to capture the amp sound.
  • Apply moderate compression with a Urei 1176 or similar compressor to even out the dynamics and add sustain.
  • Blend the miked amp signal with a direct input signal for added clarity and punch.

Original Gear

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

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision Bass$650-$750

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Current production P-Bass with the same fundamental split-coil pickup design that delivers the warm, punchy midrange character heard on the track

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Ampeg SVT-CL$1800-$2200

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Modern reissue of the classic all-tube SVT head that provides the same warm, compressed tube saturation and midrange presence

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Ampeg SVT-7PRO$600-$800

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

More affordable solid-state head that captures much of the SVT character with modern reliability and lower cost

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Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Digital emulation of the original 1176 that provides the same fast attack compression and harmonic coloration for sustain and dynamics control

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Warm Audio WA-47$900-$1100

Alternative to: Neumann U47

Affordable clone of the U47 that captures the same warm, full midrange character ideal for recording bass cabinets

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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