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bass guitar from “reptilia” by the strokes | ToneDB

reptilia

the strokes

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A driving, punchy bass tone with a distinct pick attack and a warm, slightly overdriven character that sits prominently in the mix.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender '70s Jazz Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT-CL

Microphone: Electro-Voice RE20 (on Ampeg SVT-810E cabinet)

Processing: DI Box (for splitting signal to console/DAW)

Other: Played with a hard pick (e.g., Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm). Signal split: one path to DI, one to amp. Mic'd cab signal blended with DI signal during mixing. Amp pushed for slight natural tube overdrive and strong midrange character.

Recording Notes

  • Nikolai Fraiture primarily used a Fender Jazz Bass, likely a '70s model, for 'Room on Fire'.
  • The amplifier was an Ampeg SVT-CL head paired with an Ampeg SVT-810E cabinet.
  • According to producer Gordon Raphael (referring to methods used on 'Is This It', likely similar for 'Room on Fire'), a DI signal was taken from the bass and blended with a microphone on the cabinet. Mics used included the Neumann U47 FET or an Electro-Voice RE20.
  • The bass was played with a pick, contributing significantly to the aggressive attack and bright, defined tone.
  • The distinctive growl and slight overdrive come from pushing the Ampeg SVT amp tubes, rather than a specific overdrive pedal.
  • Recorded by Gordon Raphael at TMF Studios, New York City.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a Fender Jazz Bass or a similar instrument equipped with two single-coil pickups and fresh roundwound strings for brightness.
  • Play with a relatively stiff pick (e.g., Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm or similar) using consistent, aggressive downstrokes, especially for the main riff.
  • Employ an Ampeg SVT amplifier or a high-quality software/hardware emulation. Dial in enough gain to achieve a slight, natural-sounding overdrive while maintaining note clarity.
  • On the Jazz Bass, try blending both pickups. Slightly favoring the bridge pickup can enhance bite and midrange presence, helping the bass cut through.
  • Adjust EQ to emphasize upper-mid frequencies (around 800Hz - 2kHz) for attack and clarity in a dense mix, and ensure solid low-mids (200-400Hz) for warmth and body.
  • If possible, experiment with blending a clean DI signal with your amped tone. This can add low-end solidity and further define the pick attack.

Sources