bass guitar from “1979” by the smashing pumpkins | ToneDB
1979
the smashing pumpkins
bass guitar
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.
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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 BassShop on Reverb
Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb
Processing: Urei 1176Shop on Reverb
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
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- Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb(guitar)
- Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb(amp)
- Neumann U47Shop on Reverb(mic)
- Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)
Substitutions & Recommendations
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
Alternative to: Ampeg SVT
Modern reissue of the classic all-tube SVT head that provides the same warm, compressed tube saturation and midrange presence
Alternative to: Ampeg SVT
More affordable solid-state head that captures much of the SVT character with modern reliability and lower cost
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
Alternative to: Neumann U47
Affordable clone of the U47 that captures the same warm, full midrange character ideal for recording bass cabinets
Frequently Asked Questions
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