Paul Denman's Tone is King

[freddy]

How can I sound like this:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVVMkuWnng&feature=related]YouTube - Sade - Your Love Is King[/ame]

There was a thread a few years ago that talked about Denman's 2-band SR4, Trace Elliot gear, light gauge roundwound strings (or flats?) and, of course, Denman's superb touch (see 4:04) and sense of appropriateness-- a smooth operator indeed--but ,as I search for a new rig, I realize that this is very close to the sound I'm shooting for.

It's all in the hands, yes, but, any suggestions on strings, technique and gear to get this tone with my SR5?

[Bobbo 77]

How can I sound like this:

YouTube - Sade - Your Love Is King

There was a thread a few years ago that talked about Denman's 2-band SR4, Trace Elliot gear, light gauge roundwound strings (or flats?) and, of course, Denman's superb touch (see 4:04) and sense of appropriateness-- a smooth operator indeed--but ,as I search for a new rig, I realize that this is very close to the sound I'm shooting for.

It's all in the hands, yes, but, any suggestions on strings, technique and gear to get this tone with my SR5?

Yes, THAT tone is King....my suggestion, obviously, Pre-Ernie MusicMan, 2 band ALNICO pick-upped Ol'Skool Bass! Warmer tone.....Ceramic magnet's just a little brighter for my taste, tho I love my Sr5....
As far as technique, lay back, groove, note choice of course, and just dive in!

[Mr Light]

I would say go with a Stingray 4. Four-strings seem to have a better sounding E to me anyway. Technique (touch) is a big part as well. Also, I own this on DVD and after watching it many times, I have a feeling that he has some sort of extra EQ going on. His sound is the same on the records and in my experience, I've never heard light-gauge strings sound that full. Maybe an unseen pre-amp or something? Everything's cleaverly off-stage like Getty Lee.

Perhaps some post-EQ in the house sound or DVD production, what-have-you.

[CElton]

Denman's tone is off the charts for sure. He may have a little compression added, but I doubt much of anything else. This is the one I always refer too when someone wants to hear what a Sting Ray should sound like!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StP0_zbDIMo&feature=related"]YouTube - Sade - Paradise[/ame]



I must say, I've been very happy with the tone on both my SR4 and SR5 straight to the board via Radial JDI and back thru IEM's via Aviom. My Groove Tubes Ditto is in the shop and I can't wait to get it back. Sting Rays are the shiznit!

[Duarte]

Phwoar that IS a great tone. It makes me happy that I too own a stingray. 2 bander next I reckon.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I've always like his sound. It really suits the music well.

[Russel]

I'm no reliable source, but to me the strings sound like mediums or medium lights, probably round with a little treble cut off.

It wouldn't be exact, but I'd suggest medium strings, a little mid boost, a bit of bass boost, and some treble rolled down.

Also sounds sorta like he's playing just in front of the pickup, as in, towards the neck. Maybe half and inch. Seems like he's digging in just a little, enough to get that initial thump.

I'd also suggest some compression to smooth out your sound a little. You don't want to pack it on like syrup, just even out your tone with technique. Think "pillowy"

As for the gear, at those levels, he's probably running into the PA, so you'd need to research Sade's sound personnel and PA equipment to really know. I'm sure you could get a similar sound with any amp and reasonable settings.
A hint: high mid cut, VLE knob.

For what it's worth, I would suggest looking for versatility in a new rig rather than a particular sound.

To beat a dead horse, everything you see is just opinion.

[Rano Bass]

Monster player!
Bassically any Ray should get you close to that sound, just like any jazz should get you close to Marcus Miller's sound. With a good setup Paul Denman would sound like himself on any Stingray.
It's all in the touch and technique IMO.

[freddy]

Thanks for the comments. I agree on the touch and technique- I think he uses a light touch which allows for more dynamics if needed. There must be a compressor in the chain there somewhere as well.

[Rano Bass]

There could be a compressor but i don't think we can hear it.
He's just good

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

Agreed that it's great tone. I have a hard time watching that video as the camera angles change about every 2 seconds throughout the entire thing.

[Mr Light]

Agreed that it's great tone. I have a hard time watching that video as the camera angles change about every 2 seconds throughout the entire thing.

I agree... If I'm not mistaken, this is from her "Lovers Live" tour, which is her most recent. Her first filmed concert (I have it on VHS, but it's on DVD now) was filmed a lot better and there is less audience in the mix obscuring the music or when she speaks to them. Better StingRay shots, as well...