Replicating bass?

matt_sefton

I’m starting to get back into recording again after many years and don’t have access to a bass guitar. It’s horrible using the “musical keyboard” route and I was wondering what people use for bass tracks? I have an HX One on my board - is there any effect that would get me close so I can play bass lines on guitar? I’m not too familiar with pitch shifting effects so any advice appreciated (other than “go and buy a bass)!

monquixote

Have you got a Mac?

Logic has an AI session bass player now

Failing that Spectrasonics Trillian was used on Dua Lipa's album Future Nostalgia and most people think it's a real bass. It's £200 though!

steamabacus

It'll never sound quite like a bass guitar but a simple octave down pitch shift will do the job. Playing technique plays a role too - maybe use fingers, roll off a bit of tone, pluck nearer the neck, pay attention to note length (legato isn't usually what you want), keep non-played strings quiet.

Within a mix it can do a passable job. I've used just such a method many times when using a looper. I use a TC Electronic Sub'n'Up octaver - there'll be something suitable in the HX One's list of effects I'm sure.

matt_sefton

monquixote said:

Have you got a Mac?

Logic has an AI session bass player now

Failing that Spectrasonics Trillian was used on Dua Lipa's album Future Nostalgia and most people think it's a real bass. It's £200 though!

I do have a Mac but only using GarageBand. Just the letters A and I give me a cold sweat!

stickyfiddle

steamabacus said:

It'll never sound quite like a bass guitar but a simple octave down pitch shift will do the job. Playing technique plays a role too - maybe use fingers, roll off a bit of tone, pluck nearer the neck, pay attention to note length (legato isn't usually what you want), keep non-played strings quiet.

Within a mix it can do a passable job. I've used just such a method many times when using a looper. I use a TC Electronic Sub'n'Up octaver - there'll be something suitable in the HX One's list of effects I'm sure.

This is where I'd start if you don't want to buy any kit. Poly Capo down with a compressor in GarageBand. 

That said I will just stick in one quick vote for "grab a cheap P bass" if you can. Entry level Squier for under 150 used is probably doable and shouldn't ever lose value. 

matt_sefton

Thanks @stickyfiddle  - poly capo sounds like a plan. 

TTony

steamabacus said:

It'll never sound quite like a bass guitar but a simple octave down pitch shift will do the job. 

That's what I was going to suggest.  It's what I've done when I couldn't be bothered to find a bass for something quick & dirty.

Jono111

I had that problem a couple of years ago and picked up a bass from FB marketplace. I had no idea they were so hard to play. Now I can finally do the alternating plucking it is great fun doing easier songs. Now if only I could find a way to do drums.

mudslide73

+1 I've had great results with Poly Capo in Helix Native. As above just roll some tone off.

Saying that though I picked up a Squier Precision very recently and it's definitely a better option even just for the feel.

matt_sefton

Thanks everyone - really helpful. If my return to recording is more than a passing phase I’ll definitely look at getting a real bass but for now I’ll fake it.

Snap

TTony said:

steamabacus said:

It'll never sound quite like a bass guitar but a simple octave down pitch shift will do the job. 

That's what I was going to suggest.  It's what I've done when I couldn't be bothered to find a bass for something quick & dirty.

you know, I have never thought of this, and it's so obvious!

AntonHunter

It's been a while since I used GarageBand but I seem to remember their built-in bass amp simulator really helped