What bass did John Entwistle use on The Real Me?

John Entwistle used a Fender Precision Bass on 'The Real Me.' While he had custom Alembic basses during this period, the P-Bass was likely his main instrument for this recording and was central to his signature aggressive tone.

How to get John Entwistle's bass tone on The Real Me?

Use a Fender Precision Bass with roundwound strings played with a pick through a Hiwatt DR103 amplifier. The key is balancing clean headroom with slight overdrive, often achieved through bi-amping or pushing the amp's input gain while controlling master volume.

What amp did John Entwistle use for bass?

John Entwistle primarily used Hiwatt DR103 amplifiers for his bass sound. He often employed a bi-amped setup that blended clean and slightly overdriven signals to achieve his distinctive powerful and articulate tone.

Did John Entwistle play bass with a pick?

Yes, John Entwistle frequently played bass with a pick, which contributed to his bright, aggressive attack. This technique was essential to his sound on songs like 'The Real Me' and helped the bass cut through The Who's powerful mix.

Where was The Real Me by The Who recorded?

'The Real Me' was recorded at Ramport Studios in London with engineer Bob Pridden. Ramport was The Who's own studio facility where they recorded the Quadrophenia album.

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Tone Profile

A powerful and present bass tone with a slightly overdriven edge, providing a driving force for the song. It's articulate and punchy, fitting perfectly within the energetic mix.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Precision Bass(instrument)
Hiwatt DR103(amp)
Neumann U47(microphone)

The Story

John Entwistle's bass tone on 'The Real Me' was recorded at Ramport Studios using his signature Fender Precision Bass played with a pick and roundwound strings. He used a Hiwatt DR103 amplifier, often in a bi-amped setup that blended clean and slightly overdriven signals. The recording was engineered by Bob Pridden, capturing the aggressive, articulate tone that became Entwistle's trademark.

Production Credits

Producer: Kit Lambert

Engineer: Bob Pridden

Recorded at: Ramport Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Hiwatt DR103Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Precision Bass and roundwound strings.
Use a pick for a brighter attack and aggressive playing style.
An Hiwatt DR103 amplifier is crucial; dial in a tone with a balance of clean and slightly overdriven characteristics. Experiment with the input gain and master volume.
If an Hiwatt is unavailable, try a similar high-powered amp known for its clean headroom and responsive overdrive. Consider using a pedal to add a subtle overdrive if needed.
Record with a Neumann U47 or similar large-diaphragm condenser microphone placed a few feet from the cabinet, adjusting the position to capture the desired balance of lows and clarity.
Blend a touch of overdrive to replicate the slightly edgy tone.

Original Gear

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Fender Precision BassShop on Reverb(guitar)
Hiwatt DR103Shop on Reverb(amp)
Neumann U47Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision BassShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Modern version of Entwistle's main instrument with the same fundamental P-Bass tone and pickup configuration

Hiwatt Custom 100 DR103Shop on Reverb$2500-$3000

Alternative to: Hiwatt DR103

Current production version of the exact amp Entwistle used, delivering the same clean headroom and responsive overdrive characteristics

Orange AD200B Bass HeadShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Hiwatt DR103

British tube amp with similar high-powered clean tone and natural overdrive when pushed, more affordable alternative

Neumann U47 FETShop on Reverb$3500-$4000

Alternative to: Neumann U47

Modern FET version of the classic U47 with similar large-diaphragm response for capturing full bass cabinet range

Tech 21 VT Bass DIShop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Hiwatt DR103 overdrive character

Provides tube-style overdrive and DI capability to recreate the slightly driven edge of Entwistle's bi-amped setup

Sources

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