Distorted Tone
Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire
Bassfunk1980s
Original Gear
BassMusic Man StingRay (likely 4-string, early 1980s model)
AmpAmpeg SVT (classic tube head, likely with matching 8x10 cab)
PickupsSingle humbucker (bridge position, active electronics)
Amp Settings
gain5
bass5.5
mid4
treble7
presence6
compression7
Effects & Signal Chain
compressionDBX or UREI Studio Compressor (likely rackmount, e.g., DBX 160 or UREI 1176)
Notes
Studio recording, 1981; 'Let's Groove' album session; Verdine White on bass; some sources suggest synth bass layering but the distorted section is widely attributed to a driven StingRay.
Tone Character(8)
synthy, gritty edgefat, punchy low endaggressive midrange growlslightly compressed attackdistinct overdriven charactertight, focused note definitionpercussive, funky articulationnot fuzzed out, but clear drive
Difficulty
The line requires tight, syncopated fingerstyle playing with precise muting and dynamic control to maintain clarity through the driven tone. The groove is iconic and demands both rhythmic accuracy and tonal consistency.
Sources
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Create Free AccountBassfunk1980s
Original Gear
BassMusic Man StingRay (likely 4-string, early 1980s model)
AmpAmpeg SVT (classic tube head, likely with matching 8x10 cab)
PickupsSingle humbucker (bridge position, active electronics)
Amp Settings
gain5
bass5.5
mid4
treble7
presence6
compression7
Effects & Signal Chain
compressionDBX or UREI Studio Compressor (likely rackmount, e.g., DBX 160 or UREI 1176)
Notes
Studio recording, 1981; 'Let's Groove' album session; Verdine White on bass; some sources suggest synth bass layering but the distorted section is widely attributed to a driven StingRay.
Tone Character(8)
synthy, gritty edgefat, punchy low endaggressive midrange growlslightly compressed attackdistinct overdriven charactertight, focused note definitionpercussive, funky articulationnot fuzzed out, but clear drive
Difficulty
The line requires tight, syncopated fingerstyle playing with precise muting and dynamic control to maintain clarity through the driven tone. The groove is iconic and demands both rhythmic accuracy and tonal consistency.
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