To achieve the best possible tone with your bass, you will need to get the perfect amp settings. In this guide, I’ll be going through what all the controls do, how to adjust them to change the tone, some bass amp settings examples, and common problems plus how to fix them.
Bass guitar amplifiers usually have a gain control which adjusts distortion, and EQ or tone controls such as bass, mids and treble. Increasing the bass will produce a heavier low-end, increasing the mids will provide more depth and increasing treble will improve the clarity.
If you want your bass guitar to sound as good as possible, then you’ll need to know exactly what each control on your amplifier actually does. Let’s take a look at the most common controls and how adjusting them will help to shape your bass guitar’s tone.
Steal The Sound: Flea (red Hot Chili Peppers)
It goes without saying, this is probably the most important setting on your bass amp. So bass amps need to crank the bass up? Well, not exactly. Since bass amplifiers already are designed to amplify the low-end frequencies produced by a bass guitar, the bass setting does not always need to be turned up. Here’s what to do instead:
The mids setting controls the, you guessed it, mid-range frequencies. You should avoid turning the mids too high, as this can start to interfere with the sound of the guitars.
Generally, bass guitars provide the low-end frequencies, guitars provide the mid-range frequencies, and the vocalist will provide the high-range frequencies. This balance is what helps the band to sound cohesive, and ensures that certain instruments don’t overpower the overall tone.
Bass Amp Eq For Beginners
However, you may need to increase the mids setting if the tone sounds too thin and weak. A higher mids setting will help to thicken the tone.
Some bass amps will have the mids setting split into two controls: low-mids, and high-mids. Essentially, these allow you to control whether you want to play emphasis on the bass or the treble. For a balanced setting, you will usually require them both to be on midway.
For songs where the bass is the focus and perhaps includes a bassline riff which is more prominent than the guitar, you will likely need a higher treble setting. This allows the sound of the bass guitar to cut through more, rather than blend into the background. However, for most songs where the bass is not a focus, the treble setting will be set low-medium.
What Amp Is This? From The Jazz Mellow Preset.
On some amplifiers, the bass, mids and treble controls are combined into a single control, usually called “EQ” or “tone”. This allows you to shape the tone, causing it to sound sharper, or more mellow.
Most bass amplifiers will also have a setting to control distortion, this is usually termed either gain or drive. It is important to adjust this before altering the volume, as the gain control feeds into the volume in an amp. Here’s how to adjust it.
Getting your amp settings right is only half the battle. Make sure you check out my complete guide to bass guitar controls as well to get the most out of your rig.
Amp Settings For Bass Guitar: A Complete Guide
Remember to only adjust one control at a time, and listen carefully for the change. This will really help to dial in the perfect tone.
Here are some example bass setting controls to try. Remember that they will sound different depending on what amp and bass guitar you’re using. So try the steps above for a more refined approach, or skip ahead to the common problems section if you need to make any adjustments.
If you’re having some trouble setting up your bass amp, you may be running into one of the following problems. Here’s what to do.
Bass Amp Settings
Remember, only make one adjustment at a time and listen for a change. This will make it far easier to pinpoint the problem.
This can be an annoying problem if you are playing a song which focuses on the bass riff. Here’s how to fix it.
A lot of players who want to play bass and the electric guitar often wonder if they can use their bass guitar through an electric guitar amplifier.
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It is possible to use a solid-state electric guitar amp for bass guitar, but only at low volumes and using passive pickups to avoid damaging the speaker. Valve (tube) amps designed for electric guitars should not be used with a bass guitar because they are more prone to damage.
Take a look at my complete guide to a bass guitar’s controls to learn how to get the best from your bass.
Hey, I'm Heather. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24.
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Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Thanks for visiting!
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I am trying to get my jazz guitar sound. Yes I know it should be in my finger, so I am working on it. I am also aware about my pick, my stings, my instrument, the amp, its settings etc.
The actual amp settings for the sound sample: (note the sample was recorded with the real amp, using its line out (headphone out)
Bass Tone 101
I've found, especially in my experience with the Fender Mustang series, that the Twin model is much brighter than their Deluxe Model, however with your specific amp model you don't have a choice between Princeton, Deluxe and Twin like the interface in the Mustang III (One of the greatest solid state practice/small amps I've ever owned, in my opinion).
On the Mustang II, they offer two other fender tweed-style amps as well before you start getting into more gain, try those out. The Bassman is an iconic amp sound, and with a lower gain setting, does stay relatively clean. Remember, the Bassman was around a good 10-15 years before we ever started getting used to the Blackface tone stack, so many jazz recordings have a Pro, Deluxe, Bassman, etc. sound to them. Which, with the gain lower (read: not driving the amp as much) really does have a nice darker sound.
All the other comments do seem valid. Judging by the brightness of that recording with the pickups and guitar stated, I would maybe check that the wiring isn't backwards on the switch, or that your tone control is indeed the correct one.
Jazz Tone Step By Step: How Do I Get
For the amp, go with the suggestions I offered, as well as taking an approach to lowering highs and raising bass. But I think you'll find that bridgy attack and definition is still there.
However, be reminded that you're playing a semi-hollow body guitar. If you're going for a traditional bebop-style guitar like Kenny Burell, Wes, etc. they all are playing fully hollow-bodied guitars. There is a large difference to the perceived tone of these.
If you have funds, try checking out some affordable hollow-bodies like the Epiphone like the Emperor or 175-style. If you don't quite have those funds try to go for a more traiditional, covered PAF-style neck pickup. If the pickup you are describing is anything like the current Artstar ones, they're ceramic and generally quite bright by nature. The PAF style is usually an Alnico pickup, is generally more mellow, and covered to take away a bit more high end as well.
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If you have no funds, try out the different amp models on the Fender, especially those first two (Bassman and Deluxe). Keep your bass up and treble less so, don't get crazy with the gain and utilize the master or volume more to effectively roll off presence. The British 60's setting may be pretty gain-y, but if kept in check will almost certainly be more of a mellow sound than their Twin they have as well. The great thing about not having money to throw at the problem is that it forces you to find what's best for you. Don't be afraid to try different amps that aren't right or period-correct for what you're doing. If you get a great sound;
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