Distorted Tone

John the Fisherman

Primus

Bassprog1990s

Original Gear

BassCarl Thompson 4-string (custom, likely walnut or maple, passive)

AmpMesa/Boogie Bass 400+ head into Mesa/Boogie 2x15 and/or Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 cabinet

PickupsDual soapbar-style (passive, custom-wound)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

presence6.5

compression4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1989-1990 (Frizzle Fry sessions); Les Claypool is known to have used his Carl Thompson 4-string and Mesa/Boogie amps for this era. Ampeg SVT cabs are also documented for this period.

Tone Character(9)

clanky attackmidrange growlaggressive upper midsaudible tube overdriveslight fuzzinesstight low endpercussive slap transientsraspy, metallic edgeclear note definition despite drive

Difficulty

The song demands rapid alternation between slap, fingerstyle, and chording, with intricate syncopation and muting. The aggressive attack and dynamic control required for the distorted sections make it technically challenging.

Sources

Les Claypool Claypool set up : r/Primus Primus – Frizzle Fry (Remastered) - Gear & Equipment ...Xylem Handmade Basses and Guitars - Premier Guitar

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