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Distorted Tone

The Pretender

Foo Fighters

BassRock2000s (mid‑2000s)

Original Gear

BassFender Precision Bass (likely 1969 black maple-neck model or similar Fender P‑Bass)
AmpAshdown Engineering (signature NM‑2 head) and possibly Ampeg SVT in studio
PickupsUnknown

Amp Settings

gain6.5
bass5.5
mid6.5
treble6
presence6
compression5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Nate Mendel’s main early bass was a 1969 Fender Precision Bass; he uses an Ashdown signature amp live and Ampeg SVT in studio ([indiesoundwaves.com](https://indiesoundwaves.com/nate-mendel/?utm_source=openai))

Tone Character(3)
punchygrowly midrangedistorted/overdriven

Difficulty

The bass part in “The Pretender” is relatively straightforward rock bass—steady and driving, with some dynamic variation but no advanced techniques.

Sources

Nate Mendel: Foo Fighters’ Bass ProdigyNate Mendel | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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The Pretender settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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The Pretender by Foo Fighters — Distorted Tone Settings | ToneAdapt