Distorted Tone

Risk

Deftones

Bassmetal2000s

Original Gear

BassFender Jazz Bass (likely, Chi Cheng's main bass in this era)

AmpAmpeg SVT Classic (most probable, based on Deftones' era and genre conventions)

PickupsDual single-coil (Jazz Bass configuration)

Amp Settings

gain6.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble6

presence6

compression5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

preampTech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI (or similar preamp/drive pedal, likely always-on)

Notes

Studio recording, 2000 (White Pony sessions); no direct evidence for live rig or alternate basses on this track.

Tone Character(8)

gritty low endaggressive midrange grindclanky attacksaturated upper midsslightly compressedpunchy and presentnotably distorted but not fuzzed outclear note definition under drive

Difficulty

While the part is not technically complex, it requires tight timing, consistent pick attack, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and punch through the saturated, overdriven tone.

Sources

How to get Deftones bass tone?deftones guitar tone : r/WeAreTheMusicMakers How do i make my amp settings sound like deftones song ...

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