Distorted Tone
I Wanna Be Somebody
W.A.S.P.
Bassmetal1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass
AmpAmpeg SVT (likely 70s/early 80s model, classic tube head)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass5.5
mid4
treble7
presence6
compression6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1984; debut W.A.S.P. album; no direct rig rundown for this song, but period photos and interviews confirm Precision Bass and Ampeg SVT as Blackie Lawless' main setup.
Tone Character(9)
aggressive pick attackgrowly midrangeclanky top endtight low endnoticeable tube gritpunchy and cuttingslight compressionmetallic edgesits above guitars in mix
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires aggressive, consistent pick playing and tight timing to lock with the drums and maintain the song's drive.
Sources
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Create Free AccountBassmetal1980s
Original Gear
BassFender Precision Bass
AmpAmpeg SVT (likely 70s/early 80s model, classic tube head)
PickupsSplit single-coil (Precision configuration)
Amp Settings
gain6.5
bass5.5
mid4
treble7
presence6
compression6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1984; debut W.A.S.P. album; no direct rig rundown for this song, but period photos and interviews confirm Precision Bass and Ampeg SVT as Blackie Lawless' main setup.
Tone Character(9)
aggressive pick attackgrowly midrangeclanky top endtight low endnoticeable tube gritpunchy and cuttingslight compressionmetallic edgesits above guitars in mix
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires aggressive, consistent pick playing and tight timing to lock with the drums and maintain the song's drive.
More W.A.S.P. tones
- I Wanna Be Somebody · riff
- L.O.V.E. Machine · riff
- Miss You · solo
- The Gypsy Meets the Boy · riff
- The Headless Children · riff
- What I'll Never Find · solo