Tone Controls V. EQ Controls

[midopa]

I was reading some threads that mentioned Fender basses. It got me thinking about the tone controls on them and the EQ controls on my ESP B-205 and the EBMM basses. Which do you guys prefer?

I've spent most of my time with bass on my ESP B-205, which has a 3EQ. But some other basses, Fenders included, have tone knobs instead. I can handle the Fender P basses, but I've had a hard time finding tones I liked from Fender Jazzes. (That extra tone knob spaces me out, man. ) I'll admit I'm quite naive to the ways of the tone controls. Can anyone lend some advice? I know I'm doing something wrong, as there are countless bassists out there using the Js and getting good tones out of 'em.

On Fender Ps, I usually end up having the tone knob somewhere just below halfway, which gives a good bass boomness with a subtle mid/high rangey crunch. But in the end, I prefer the EQ controls, as they seem to give more a direct access to tweaking tones.

 

[Mobay45]

I played my P for years with just a tone knob and I was very happy in my ignorance. The sounds I can find in my 'Ray and my SUB make them much more versatile.

 

[cgworkman]

If you're talking MM basses - all you really need is the "tone controls" on the bass. It's still nice to have a nice "EQ" system on your amp or preamp though.

 

[Mobay45]

If you're talking MM basses - all you really need is the "tone controls" on the bass. It's still nice to have a nice "EQ" system on your amp or preamp though.

When we are talking about a "tone control", the reference it to a Fender style one knob adjustment as opposed to the 2, 3 & 4 band EQ adjustments on MM basses.

I just re-read your post and I agree that the adjustments on the MM basses are all you need. My EQ on my amp has been turned off since I plugged in my 'Ray.

 

[Morrow]

With a Pbass I think most of the tone comes from where you place your right hand.Mine will shift from close to the bridge to way over the fretboard depending on the tone I want.With a Stingray I am more inclined to spin the knobs but still shift position depending on the tone that I want.

 

[Psychicpet]

Although I love the pre-amp on the Bongo, I do truly have disdain towards the pre-amp on the SR5 which I think sounds best with all eq knobs at the centre detent. All of this to say some of the best tone I've had and heard has come from twiddling the least amount of knobs possible so I'd love to see a nice active or passive SR or Bongo with no knobs at all, not even a volume(maybe some form of balance for p/u blending) but I do favour a more Anthony Jackson approach to tone though.
...... for whatever that all was worth.....mmmm...... cough medicine is nice breakfast....

 

[Mobay45]

with no knobs at all, not even a volume(maybe some form of balance for p/u blending)

That's never made sense to me. If you want a preset tone, do just what you are doing. Leave the knobs in the center detent. But leave the ability to adjust the tone on the bass so that those of us who don't like the sound flat can change it. I can't even imagine being without a volume knob. I do vary the attack to change volume to some degree, but there are times when that's not enough and I don't have time to change it at the amp.

 

[skabassist13]

haha tone knob! i laugh at such silly term. i went and took it completely off my p-bass. ha! take that. only a volume knob for me. i prefer to get my tone from my hands and my amps eq.

 

[Samingo]

The tone on a P-bass is still a very useful tool, I'd say. Even if you play up near the neck, you won't be able to diminish the raunchy attack too well and if you really want that solid wet sound the bass end of the tone works wonders. Speaking of which. I love the fact that the Bongo can create the P-bass sound... With a found band EQ to go with it! I've always wanted to have an EQ on a P-bass. I know I know "it's called an amp!". It's just not the same though.

 

[phatduckk]

i hate those knobs ... all of em. i always turn them all all the way up. my amp and hands do the rest of the work.

but i do like the pickup switch on my sterling ... and om my 2003 MIA JAzz i like the new s1 switch. ill switch between fingers and using a pick to change tone too (also use a pick in a diff place or vary my attack).

... but the knobs ... eh, theyre always all the way up.