Using my MM for "By the Way"

[Ski3223]

I've been trying to get at Flea's sound on By the Way for years now and I just can't get it right. Has anyone been able to accomplish this with effects as opposed to replicating gear exactly? I would much rather use my beautiful MM Stingray 4, 3EQ full maple neck for this as opposed to another bass. Here is the rest of my set up (please don't laugh).


EFFECTS
Digitech RP-500 (picked it up cheap, couldn't resist)

AMPS
Fender Rumble 100


So, I don't have a lot to work with here. Any suggestions? I don't have the money to replicate gear, although I could probably get a close amp emulation with the RP-500.

 

[mynan]

Your bass isn't the problem...

 

[syciprider]

Live Flea doesn't even sound like studio Flea so there's your answer: It's the gear and the studio signal chain. Plus a little of the "you're going to sound like you most of the time" argument.

Great song btw

 

[oli@bass]

I listened to the song and have the impression that there's a lot of effects on the bass especially in the solo spots. Aside from that, it's pretty hard to sound like Flea (or Billy Sheehan, or Steve Harry, or Geddy Lee...) if you're not him.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Have you tried stripping down to your underpants?

 

[syciprider]

Have you tried stripping down to your underpants?

Thanks Mark, I now realize who Chuck Ward's bass hero is.

 

[Ski3223]

Have you tried stripping down to your underpants?

I considered just throwing on a tube sock and seeing what happened. That just might provide the solution!

 

[syciprider]

Don't forget to post pics.