Considering my first bass purchase!

[ohdamnitsdevin]

Greetings, fellow knuckleheads! As a devoted Dream Theater enthusiast and ardent admirer of the Music Man JP signature guitars, I’ve always found the Bongo’s design captivating. Ever since encountering John Myung’s Artist Series Bongo 6, my Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) has been in overdrive. My pressing inquiry for you is this: How can I approximate JM’s tone for home use without the elaborate touring rig? I’ve delved into numerous rig rundown videos, but they’re a bit overwhelming. Since gigging isn’t on my agenda, I’m seeking a home setup that delivers stellar tone, preferably through traditional amps. A friend suggested using an audio interface with Neural DSP directly, but I’m skeptical that monitor speakers can replicate the visceral impact of a cab. I’d greatly appreciate any insights you can offer. Keep rocking!

Best,
Devin

 

[mynan]

I'm not familiar with JM's rig, but it sounds like you've done the research. If that's what you want to emulate, maybe start by listing the gear in his rig. If you're wanting to avoid purchasing everything in JM's signal chain, then you may have to look into some form of DSP or Modeling gear. For a while I used a Bass POD going into a pair of PA amps that powered my bass cabs...and I'm sure their are better things out there than a Bass POD these days.

I've not used one for bass, but a lot of my guitar player friends who swore they'd never play without amps are using Kemper Profilers and are very happy with them.

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I'm not familiar with JM's rig, but it sounds like you've done the research. If that's what you want to emulate, maybe start by listing the gear in his rig. If you're wanting to avoid purchasing everything in JM's signal chain, then you may have to look into some form of DSP or Modeling gear. For a while I used a Bass POD going into a pair of PA amps that powered my bass cabs...and I'm sure their are better things out there than a Bass POD these days.

I've not used one for bass, but a lot of my guitar player friends who swore they'd never play without amps are using Kemper Profilers and are very happy with them.

Thanks! I’m looking at an audio interface and modeler.

Here’s JM’s live rig: Shure UR4D wireless to a switcher, Radial JD-7 splitter. First output: Demeter Tube DI. Second: Demeter Optical Compressor, Demeter Preamp, Demeter VTHF-300M into a Radial JDX speaker sim. Third: Fractal Audio Axe-FX II for effects.

I’d be thrilled to get the essentials on a budget, still running through a Mesa Boogie cab.

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

It looks the the new bongos have launched. I noticed they now come with stainless steel frets. Is it possible to get this option when buying a John Myung artist series?

 

[kilgore7777]

I don't know if this will help or not but... John Myung | Equipboard

And....

I personally think that replicating someone else's sound can be real tricky sometimes, especially when there is a lot of equipment used to acheived said sound. Personally, I don't even try, I just buy equipment that sounds good to me. Maybe tryng to replication John's sounds would be a good starting point but it could lead you down another road to your own sound. Either way, good luck with your quest!

 

[Golem]

I don't know if this will help or not but... John Myung | Equipboard

And....

I personally think that replicating someone else's sound can be real tricky sometimes, especially when there is a lot of equipment used to acheived said sound. Personally, I don't even try, I just buy equipment that sounds good to me. Maybe tryng to replication John's sounds would be a good starting point but it could lead you down another road to your own sound. Either way, good luck with your quest!

I would never want to copy some individuals sound. The reasons are quite numerous and not worth spelling out. I do think that theyre just plain obvious.

OTOH, I do have three "audio voices" that I aspire to resemble: Organ bass, Tuba, and (I did not coin the next phrase) "fart in the bathtub".

Those models are aspirational. I do not really expect to accurately imitate Tuba or Bathtub Farts, but I did find Organ Bass to be achievable.

I cannot criticize someones belief in Signature Model instruments, given that I have two. But the signatures on the back of the headstocks are the signatures of the builders, Bill Roberts and Dave Wendler. Although I did long ago have an Artist Signature bass, I never had the least clue what that artist sounded like. I just liked that type of bass.

 

[mynan]

I would never want to copy some individuals sound. The reasons are quite numerous and not worth spelling out. I do think that theyre just plain obvious.

OTOH, I do have three "audio voices" that I aspire to resemble: Organ bass, Tuba, and (I did not coin the next phrase) "fart in the bathtub".

Those models are aspirational. I do not really expect to accurately imitate Tuba or Bathtub Farts, but I did find Organ Bass to be achievable.

I cannot criticize someones belief in Signature Model instruments, given that I have two. But the signatures on the back of the headstocks are the signatures of the builders, Bill Roberts and Dave Wendler. Although I did long ago have an Artist Signature bass, I never had the least clue what that artist sounded like. I just liked that type of bass.

I think I agree with your point about copying an individual's sound. Your expression needs to be your own. However, I do see value in purchasing gear that is capable of making the sound you want to hear when making that expression. In the years before quick internet searches to find out what gear a particular artist was using, I spent a lot of time and money chasing gear that didn't quite scratch the itch, until I plugged in my first SR5 and finally head the sound in my head.