Clean Tone
American Music
Violent Femmes
Bassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassErnie Ball Earthwood Acoustic Bass
AmpNone (direct to board or minimal acoustic amplification in studio)
PickupsSingle large magnetic pickup (passive, piezo not used on original model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6
mid5.5
treble5
presence4.5
compression3
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1991, original album session. Brian Ritchie is confirmed to use the Ernie Ball Earthwood Acoustic Bass for Violent Femmes' signature sound, especially on 'American Music'. No evidence of electric bass or amp in studio for this track.
Tone Character(10)
woodypercussivedryresonantnatural string noisequick decaythumpy lowsclear midsuncoloredorganic
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically active and melodic but not technically demanding; the main challenge is maintaining consistent attack and dynamics on an acoustic bass with exposed tone.
Sources
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Create Free AccountBassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassErnie Ball Earthwood Acoustic Bass
AmpNone (direct to board or minimal acoustic amplification in studio)
PickupsSingle large magnetic pickup (passive, piezo not used on original model)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6
mid5.5
treble5
presence4.5
compression3
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1991, original album session. Brian Ritchie is confirmed to use the Ernie Ball Earthwood Acoustic Bass for Violent Femmes' signature sound, especially on 'American Music'. No evidence of electric bass or amp in studio for this track.
Tone Character(10)
woodypercussivedryresonantnatural string noisequick decaythumpy lowsclear midsuncoloredorganic
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically active and melodic but not technically demanding; the main challenge is maintaining consistent attack and dynamics on an acoustic bass with exposed tone.
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