Pick Tone and the right EQ

[BassAdder60]

I’ve discovered that in my search for a good PBass pick tone ( fuller and deeper ) that adding bass wasn’t the answer

 

Im finding the following makes the difference in a close enough to finger tone kind of way 

Turn PBass tone control to around 50% 

Leave amp bass tone set as normal

 

Reduce low mids to appear to make sound deeper ( not too much ) as a large scooped tone doesn’t cut through ) 

 

Turn high mids to give a little bite but nothing excessive and leave treble around mid way ( no cut or boost ) 

 

This is where using the amps “ shape” feature that you find on some amps or Ultra Low etc doesn’t really work for this pick tone ( it’s too boomy and sucks too many mids out ) 

 

Its more of a slight reduction in low mids that the increase in mids pick playing doesn’t need ( if you want a fuller sound ) Still got the clank if you need it ( increase bass tone more ) but it’s a good place to start on the amp 

 

Also found using a standard sized pick  was easier to palm mute when required instead of a triangle pick that in truth isn’t that much larger in terms of grip. 

Edited 2 hours ago by BassAdder60

[Hellzero]

And the bigger the pick (plectrum for the others), the fatter the tone.

[BassAdder60]

Just now, Hellzero said:

And the bigger the pick (plectrum for the others), the fatter the tone.

Bigger as in gauge I agree but there becomes a compromise of playing technique if too thick 

[Hellzero]

If I need to play with a pick, it's always at least a 3mm one as it's the closest to finger style tone.

[BassAdder60]

I find between 1mm and 3mm about the best gauge for me 

[dave_bass5]

Ive always used a pick. Not proud of it, it's a habit I can't get out of. 

After 30+ years ive settled on using 1.52mm most of the time. Those EB large shield ones seem to work for me as they are quite grippy. I do very occasionally use a felt or leather pick, but only for certain songs.

Always struggled with tone though. A BDDI went a long way for a couple of decades, but just recently I got an EBS Microbass 3 (and a Nux preamp). Both have sweepable mids and both have been a real eyeopener. I think in someways the BDDI was working as it was reducing some of the attack, but now I realise I was losing too much of the basses natural tone as well.

Edited 2 hours ago by dave_bass5

[BassAdder60]

It makes sense 

Use a pick and mids increase a lot sounding like less bass.

 

Increasing the bass doesn’t work but cutting back the mids does bring the fuller tone back but with that glorious pick tone you can’t get using fingers. 
Well it’s possible of course ( Steve Harris as example ) but lots of string replacements and a ton of gear !