Introduction
John Entwistle, the legendary bassist of The Who, was famous for his monstrous bass sound that left an unmistakable mark on their music. His unique playing style and tone set him apart from his contemporaries and established him as a bass virtuoso. In this blog post, we will explore the secret behind John Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound and the techniques he used to achieve it.
Table of Contents
1. John Entwistle: The Bassist Extraordinaire
2. The Bass Guitar and Amplifier Setup
3. The Use of Effects Pedals
4. Playing Techniques
5. The Importance of Technique for a Bassist
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ
1. John Entwistle: The Bassist Extraordinaire
John Entwistle was born on October 9, 1944, in Chiswick, West London. He started playing the bass guitar at the age of 14 and went on to become one of the greatest bassists of all time. John Entwistle was a founding member of The Who and played bass for them until his death in 2002.
Entwistle’s bass playing style was characterized by his use of complex lines, fast finger picking, and his ability to seamlessly incorporate his bass playing into the songs. He was also famous for his unique tone, which was achieved by his use of distortion and effects pedals.
2. The Bass Guitar and Amplifier Setup
One of the secrets behind John Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound was his choice of gear. He played a Fender Precision bass with flatwound strings and used a Hiwatt amplifier with multiple speakers. The Fender Precision bass is known for its thick and punchy tone, ideal for rock music. The Hiwatt amplifier is famous for its power and clarity and was a perfect match for Entwistle’s playing style.
Entwistle often played with a combination of speakers, including 4×12 and 8×10 cabinets. This setup allowed him to achieve a full and massive sound that cut through the mix. The combination of the Fender Precision bass, flatwound strings, and Hiwatt amplifier with multiple speakers was key to Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound.
3. The Use of Effects Pedals
Another secret behind John Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound was his use of effects pedals. Entwistle used a combination of distortion, fuzz, and octave pedals to achieve his unique tone. He was one of the first bassists to use distortion in his playing, which gave his bass a gritty and aggressive sound.
Entwistle also used a fuzz pedal, which produced a thicker and heavier distortion than a regular distortion pedal. This added an element of richness to his tone and made his bass sound more like a guitar. Lastly, Entwistle used an octave pedal, which added a sub-octave note to his playing, creating a deeper and lower tone.
4. Playing Techniques
Apart from his gear setup and use of effects pedals, John Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound was also due to his playing techniques. Entwistle was famous for his fast finger picking and use of complex, melodic lines. His playing was technical and precise, yet it always served the song, and he never overplayed.
Entwistle often used a technique called “harmonics,” where he would lightly touch a string at a certain fret and produce an overtone. This technique added a chime-like sound to his playing and made his bass sound even more distinctive.
5. The Importance of Technique for a Bassist
John Entwistle’s playing style showcases the importance of technique for a bassist. Entwistle’s playing was technical yet musical, and he was always in service of the song. Good technique allows a bassist to play more complex lines, explore different tonalities, and add creativity to their playing.
Apart from the technical aspects, a bassist’s technique can also impact their sound. A bassist’s playing style, note choice, and use of tone controls can all impact the tone of their bass. Therefore, good technique combined with the right gear setup can lead to a monstrous bass sound.
6. Conclusion
John Entwistle’s monstrous bass sound was due to a combination of his gear setup, use of effects pedals, and playing techniques. His choice of a Fender Precision bass with flatwound strings, Hiwatt amplifier, and multiple speakers provided him with a thick and punchy tone. His use of distortion, fuzz, and octave pedals added richness and depth to his tone. His playing techniques, like fast finger picking and harmonics, allowed him to create complex and melodic lines that were always in service of the song.
Aspiring bassists can learn from John Entwistle’s playing style and apply it to their own playing. By honing their technique, choosing the right gear setup, and experimenting with effects pedals, they can achieve their own monstrous bass sound.
7. FAQ
Q. Did John Entwistle use any other effects pedals apart from distortion, fuzz, and octave pedals?
A. Yes, John Entwistle used other effects pedals like chorus and wah-wah pedals. However, his use of these effects was less frequent compared to distortion, fuzz, and octave pedals.
Q. What was John Entwistle’s preferred brand of flatwound strings?
A. John Entwistle used Rotosound flatwound strings throughout his career.
Q. Was John Entwistle self-taught or did he have any formal training?
A. John Entwistle was predominantly self-taught and developed his playing style through years of practice and experimentation.
Q. Did John Entwistle have any signature bass models?
A. Yes, John Entwistle had a signature bass model called the “JPJ Precision Bass,” which was produced by Fender.
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