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Krist Novoselic, the iconic bassist of Nirvana, has a distinctive bass tone that has shaped the sound of grunge music. His warm, growling sound is instantly recognizable, and it has been emulated by bassists for decades. In this article, we will delve into the secrets behind Novoselic’s tone, exploring the techniques, gear, and amp settings that he used to create his legendary sound. Whether you’re a seasoned bassist or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the insights and tips you need to capture the essence of Novoselic’s thunderous basslines.
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At the heart of Novoselic’s tone lies his choice of bass guitars. He has primarily used Fender Precision Basses throughout his career, particularly the 1960s and 1970s models. These basses are renowned for their warm, punchy sound, which Novoselic further enhances by using flatwound strings. Flatwound strings produce a smoother, more mellow tone than roundwound strings, contributing to the distinctive growl of his basslines. In addition, Novoselic often used a pick, which provides a more aggressive attack and accentuates the low-end frequencies of his sound.
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Novoselic’s amp setup played a crucial role in shaping his tone. He relied on Ampeg SVT amplifiers, known for their powerful, warm sound. The SVT’s signature tube preamp and solid-state power amp provide a rich, full-bodied tone that complements Novoselic’s bass guitars perfectly. He typically kept his EQ settings relatively flat, with a slight boost in the treble to enhance the clarity and presence of his basslines. By combining the right gear and amp settings, Novoselic achieved a sound that was both thunderous and articulate, providing a solid foundation for Nirvana’s iconic and influential sound.
Setting Up Your Equipment
Amplifier and Cabinet
Krist Novoselic famously used an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro amplifier and an Ampeg 8x10 cabinet. The SVT-4 Pro is a powerful amplifier with a warm, punchy sound that pairs well with Novoselic’s aggressive playing style. The 8x10 cabinet provides a full, resonant low end.
If you’re on a budget, there are many other amps and cabinets that can give you a similar sound. Look for an amp with a powerful solid-state or tube output and a relatively flat EQ curve. Cabinets with a 4x10 or 8x10 configuration will provide a good balance of punch and low end.
Strings and Tuning
Novoselic uses Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings, which are known for their bright, aggressive tone. He also tunes his bass down to C#, which gives his playing a heavier, more distorted sound.
Bass Setup
Here’s a summary of Novoselic’s bass setup:
| Component | Brand and Model | Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Fender Jazz Bass | C# tuning |
| Strings | Rotosound Swing Bass 66 | N/A |
| Amplifier | Ampeg SVT-4 Pro | Gain: High, EQ: Flat |
| Cabinet | Ampeg 8x10 | N/A |
How to Get Krist Novoselic’s Bass Tone
Krist Novoselic’s bass tone is one of the most iconic in rock music. His sound is warm, punchy, and aggressive, and it has helped to define the sound of Nirvana. If you’re a bassist who wants to achieve a similar sound, here are a few tips:
- Start with a good bass guitar. Krist Novoselic used a Fender Mustang Bass for most of his career. The Mustang Bass is a short-scale bass with a single coil pickup. It’s a great choice for getting a warm, punchy sound.
- Use a pick. Krist Novoselic almost always used a pick when playing bass. A pick will help you to get a more aggressive sound than you would with your fingers.
- Play with a lot of distortion. Krist Novoselic’s bass tone is very distorted. This helps to give his sound its characteristic punch.
- Use a compressor. A compressor will help to even out your sound and make it more consistent.
- Experiment with different settings. The settings on your bass guitar and amplifier will have a big impact on your sound. Experiment with different settings until you find a sound that you like.
Getting Krist Novoselic’s bass tone is not easy, but it is possible. With a little practice, you can achieve a similar sound and play some of your favorite Nirvana songs.
People Also Ask
What kind of bass guitar did Krist Novoselic use?
Krist Novoselic used a Fender Mustang Bass for most of his career.
What kind of strings did Krist Novoselic use?
Krist Novoselic used Fender 9050L roundwound bass strings.
What kind of amplifier did Krist Novoselic use?
Krist Novoselic used an Ampeg SVT-CL amplifier.
What kind of effects did Krist Novoselic use?
Krist Novoselic used a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal and a Boss CE-2 chorus pedal.