What bass guitar did Justin Chancellor use on Lateralus?

Justin Chancellor used a Wal bass guitar on "Lateralus." Wal basses are known for their active electronics and distinctive clear, articulate tone that became a signature part of Chancellor's sound with Tool.

How to get Justin Chancellor's bass tone from Tool?

Chancellor's tone combines a high-quality active bass (like his Wal), a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp, and Tech 21 SansAmp processing including the PSA-1 preamp and Bass Driver DI. The key is blending a clean, powerful amp signal with SansAmp saturation for punch and subtle grit.

What amp does Justin Chancellor use?

Justin Chancellor has been documented using a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amplifier. This solid-state power amp provides the clean headroom and punch that forms the foundation of his bass tone, paired with SansAmp preamp processing.

Why do Wal basses sound different?

Wal basses feature unique active electronics and pickup systems that provide exceptional clarity, articulation, and tonal flexibility. Their distinctive sound comes from proprietary pickup designs and active preamp circuits that emphasize note definition and harmonic content.

What is a SansAmp PSA-1 used for?

The SansAmp PSA-1 is a rackmount preamp that simulates tube amplifier characteristics and provides drive/saturation to bass signals. Chancellor used it to add warmth and controlled distortion to his otherwise clean Mesa power amp setup.

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Tone Profile

A clean, articulate, and slightly aggressive bass tone with a focus on clarity and punch. It blends a direct, modern sound with subtle grit and warmth.

The Story

Justin Chancellor's bass tone on "Lateralus" was built around his signature Wal bass, which provides the foundation for his distinctive clear and articulate sound. The signal chain included a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp and Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1 preamp, with the SansAmp Bass Driver DI used for additional tone shaping and direct signal blending. This combination of high-end active bass electronics, solid-state power, and SansAmp saturation creates the modern, punchy tone with subtle grit that defines the track.

Production Credits

Producer: David Bottrill

Engineer: Unknown

Recorded at: Unknown

Signal Chain

Instrument: Wal Bass

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400

Processing: SansAmp PSA-1, Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Recreation Tips

Start with a high-quality bass guitar with active electronics to capture the clarity and articulation.
Use a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 or similar amplifier known for its clean and powerful output.
Experiment with a SansAmp PSA-1 or Bass Driver DI to add the desired amount of saturation and drive.
Blend the direct signal with the amp signal for a balanced tone.

Original Gear

Substitutions & Recommendations

Warwick Thumb NT 4-String$2500-$3500

Alternative to: Wal Bass

Active electronics and similar tonal clarity to Wal basses, with the growl and articulation needed for Chancellor's tone

Mesa/Boogie Subway D-800+$700-$900

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400

Modern Mesa bass amp head with the same clean power and headroom as the Strategy 400

Tech 21 SansAmp RBI$200-$300

Alternative to: SansAmp PSA-1

Rackmount SansAmp preamp that provides similar tube amp simulation and drive characteristics

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2$150-$200

Alternative to: SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Updated version of the exact pedal used, providing the same DI capabilities and tone shaping

Spector Euro 4LX$1200-$1600

Alternative to: Wal Bass

More affordable option with active EMG pickups that deliver similar punch and clarity

Neural DSP Parallax$100-$150