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bass guitar from “red red wine” by ub40 | ToneDB

red red wine

ub40

bass guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Warm, clean, and reggae-infused bass tone with a round low-end and defined mid-range, providing a solid foundation for the song. It's a classic, understated bass sound perfect for reggae.

Gear

Fender Precision Bassinstrument
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Ampeg SVTamp
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AKG D12microphone
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The Story

The bass tone on UB40's "Red Red Wine" was recorded using a Fender Precision Bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier at DEP International Studio in Birmingham. The bass was tracked using an AKG D12 microphone, capturing the warm, round sound that became characteristic of UB40's reggae style.

Production Credits

Producer: Unknown

Engineer: Ray 'Pablo' Falconer

Recorded at: DEP International Studio, Birmingham

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender Precision Bass

Amp: Ampeg SVT

Microphone: AKG D12

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Fender Precision Bass and flatwound strings for a round, warm tone.
  • Use an Ampeg SVT amplifier (or a plugin emulation) as a foundation for your bass sound.
  • Set the amp's EQ for a balanced tone with a slight boost in the low-mids to add warmth and punch.
  • Record the amp with a microphone like an AKG D12, positioning it a few inches from the speaker cone.
  • In the mix, use gentle compression to even out the dynamics and ensure the bass sits well in the track.
  • Avoid excessive processing or effects to maintain the clean and natural character of the bass.

Original Gear

  • Fender Precision Bass(guitar)
  • Ampeg SVT(amp)
  • AKG D12(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Fender Player Precision Bass$700-$800

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Maintains the classic P-Bass pickup configuration and tone that creates the warm, punchy foundation heard on the track

ReverbSweetwater
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic$2,000-$2,500

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Current production version of the classic all-tube SVT that delivers the same warm, powerful low-end response

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Parallax Bass$100-$120

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT

Includes accurate Ampeg SVT modeling for the classic tube warmth and compression in a digital format

ReverbSweetwater
AKG D112$150-$200

Alternative to: AKG D12

Modern evolution of the D12 with similar frequency response, designed specifically for bass drum and bass amplifier recording

ReverbSweetwater
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass$400-$500

Alternative to: Fender Precision Bass

Budget alternative with the essential P-Bass pickup and tone wood combination for that classic reggae bass sound

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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