What bass did Justin Chancellor use on Sober?

Justin Chancellor used a Wal bass on "Sober." Wal basses are known for their active electronics and unique pickup design that provides the articulate, cutting tone heard throughout Tool's catalog.

What amp did Tool use for bass on Sober?

The bass on "Sober" was recorded using a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp. This high-powered tube amp was crucial in providing the aggressive character and punch in Justin Chancellor's tone.

How to get Justin Chancellor bass tone from Sober?

To recreate this tone, you need a bass with active electronics (like a Wal or similar), a high-powered tube amp like the Mesa Strategy 400, and a blend of direct input and microphone signals. The key is balancing clarity from the DI with the warmth and slight overdrive from the amp.

Where was Tool Sober recorded?

"Sober" was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, with Sylvia Massy serving as both producer and engineer. The studio's acoustics and Massy's recording techniques contributed to the raw, powerful sound of the track.

What makes Justin Chancellor's bass tone so aggressive?

The aggressive character comes from the combination of the Wal bass's active electronics, the Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400's tube saturation, and the recording technique that blends direct input clarity with microphone ambience. The slight overdrive adds punch without losing definition.

bass guitar from "sober" by tool

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Tone Profile

A raw and aggressive bass tone that cuts through the mix with clarity and punch. It has a slightly overdriven character with a strong fundamental and defined midrange.

Shop This Rig

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Wal Bass(instrument)
Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400(amp)

The Story

Justin Chancellor's bass tone on "Sober" was recorded at Sound City Studios using his signature Wal bass through a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp. Producer/engineer Sylvia Massy captured the sound using a blend of direct input and microphone techniques to achieve both the clarity and room ambience heard on the track. The Wal bass's active electronics and unique pickup design contribute significantly to the defined midrange and articulate character that cuts through Tool's dense mix.

Production Credits

Producer: Sylvia Massy

Engineer: Sylvia Massy

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Wal BassShop on Reverb

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a Wal bass or a similar instrument with a clear and articulate tone.
Use a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 or a comparable high-powered tube amp.
Experiment with blending a direct input signal with a mic'd cabinet to achieve the desired balance of clarity and warmth.
Slight overdrive can enhance the aggressive character of the tone. Be cautious not to overdo it.

Original Gear

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Wal BassShop on Reverb(bass)
Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400Shop on Reverb(amp)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Warwick Thumb BO 4-StringShop on Reverb$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: Wal Bass

Active electronics and similar tonal characteristics to Wal basses, with the aggressive midrange and clarity needed for this tone

Spector Euro4 LXShop on Reverb$1,200-$1,500

Alternative to: Wal Bass

EMG pickups and active preamp deliver the punchy, articulate tone similar to Wal electronics at a lower price point

Mesa/Boogie Subway D-800+Shop on Reverb$800-$900

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400

Modern Mesa power amp with tube preamp section that maintains the Strategy's tonal character in a more portable format

Ampeg SVT-7PROShop on Reverb$600-$700

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400

High-powered Class D head with tube preamp that can deliver the aggressive, overdriven character needed for this tone

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2Shop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Direct input blend

Provides the direct input clarity while adding controllable overdrive and amp simulation for the aggressive character

Sources

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bass guitar from “sober” by tool | ToneDB