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  • Sterling by MusicMan

glepko

New member
Joined
May 6, 2008
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3
Just got a Sterling because I loved the sound through headphones in a store.

What strings do you use to maximize that aggression? What overdrives work well with this bass to enhance the grind/grit/bark?

Thanks!
 

EBMM7181

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Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
1,494
Location
Atlanta, Ga
I use a modded TS9 Tube Screamer with the 808 + Mod, sounds wonderful with my Sterling and my Stingray
 

glepko

New member
Joined
May 6, 2008
Messages
3
to answer my own question, i'm running a sansamp rpm parallel with a gk amp to get great mild overdrive tones. also just added a danelectro wasabi with great results. dod250 on the way for continued experimenting!
 

Kristopher

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Apr 18, 2007
Messages
751
Location
Tempe, AZ
I use a Fulltone Mosfet Bass-Drive for my distortion needs. I usually prefer strings with a little less edge on them, like nickel D'addarios. It depends on what you're going for - if you play with a pick or like a lot of top end frequencies, you'll probably want something different than me. I really dig my amp and cab, I get most of my sound from that.
 

Stoo

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Joined
Nov 5, 2007
Messages
62
Location
Dallas, TX
Guessing, but it sounds like you'd prob'ly prefer the Stainless Steel strings. A little brighter (usually for a longer period of time than nickel-plated,) thuogh a bit rougher on your fingers so be prepared... Not surprisingly, the EB stainless sets are a good value and worth a shot (since they may likely have been what were on the bass to start with :) )

Pick or fingerstyle player? Your plucking/ picking hand will make much difference in the tone, of course.

Before picking a pedal, I'd encourage you to really experiment with your rig first. I've had my best results dialing in a new instrument by

1.) Start with the EQ on the bass flat.

2.) Start with the amp EQ flat

3.) If your amp has 'Pre' and 'Post'/"level' gain controls, start with the 'Post' (or overall volume) control down and bring up the 'Pre' until you start clipping the input, then back off a smidge.

4.) Turn up the volume to your performance levels (your amp and ears will react differently at different volume levels.)

try a 'dash' rather than a 'douse' of EQ. A little goes a long way at volume. If you're not getting enough Low-end, try cutting some mids, rather than boosting bass. It's possible, you might find out your amp has enough grit with some EQ tweaking at volume.

If not, I've got a Visual Sound Rt. 66 that's okay. I think the Tech-21 bass driver is pretty flexible and usable.

Apologies if you knew all this already. Hope it helps.

Congrats on the new acquisition! (ahem...) Pics???

Best Wishes
 
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