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bass guitar from “my generation” by the who | ToneDB

my generation

the who

bass guitar

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Tone Profile

A revolutionary, aggressive bass tone defined by its prominent treble, trebly fuzz distortion, and cutting midrange, allowing it to function almost as a lead instrument.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Danelectro Longhorn Bass (4-string model)

Amp: Marshall JTM45 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet

Microphone: Neumann U67

Processing: Sola Sound Tone Bender MkI (or similar early germanium fuzz pedal), Rotosound Swing Bass 66 roundwound strings (RS66LD)

Other: Aggressive pick playing style, often near the bridge. High treble and upper-mid EQ settings. Producer Shel Talmy blended a custom DI signal with the miked amplifier signal.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded in October 1965 at IBC Studios, London, engineered and produced by Shel Talmy.
  • John Entwistle's bassline and solos were groundbreaking for their prominence and aggressive, trebly tone.
  • The unique tone was a result of the Danelectro Longhorn bass's lipstick pickups, new Rotosound roundwound strings (a recent innovation at the time), an early fuzz pedal, and a powerful valve amp pushed hard.
  • Entwistle improvised the bass solos in the studio after being encouraged by Pete Townshend.
  • Shel Talmy utilized a custom-built DI box, blending this signal with a Neumann U67 miked Marshall JTM45 and 4x12 cabinet.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a bass with low-output, single-coil pickups (like Danelectro lipstick pickups) and fresh Rotosound Swing Bass 66 roundwound strings.
  • Employ an aggressive picking technique, striking the strings hard, typically near the bridge.
  • Utilize an early germanium fuzz pedal (e.g., Tone Bender MkI or MkI.5 style) for the characteristic bright, slightly gated distortion.
  • Push a British-voiced valve/tube amp (like a Marshall JTM45 or Plexi) into slight overdrive, focusing on midrange and treble.
  • Boost treble and upper-mid frequencies significantly on the amp and/or an EQ pedal.
  • If possible, blend a clean DI signal with the distorted amp signal to retain low-end clarity and attack, mimicking Shel Talmy's production technique.

Sources