Barely at the three and half minute mark and FINALLY! Someone said it. The truth about dingwall and dark glass. Badass basses and great tone but everyone’s doing it. Mix up your tone and make it yours. Love the channel! Love your wisdom and information. 🤘
I think the dingwall and dark glass combo has become the same thing as the vintage 30 with the SM57. Good to see you brother!!! You're looking well!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Your videos helped me get my head out of my ass as a beginner when I started playing about 3 years ago. I practiced my ass off and learnt what my gear did and I am a lot better than a lot of players are at around 3 years in. Thank you, your video on compression instead of distortion really helped. You are THE best! I hope all the best for you!
Rodney, it's a genuine pleasure to see you again. My damn bell thing had unchecked itself so I've only just seen your video. I hope that you have managed to get some sort of handle on your health issues, I also suffer from chronic illness so I appreciate what you're up against. By the way, I tend to agree on the Dingwall Darkglass thing and what I'd say to someone starting out looking for metal tone for cheap, get any Jazz bass, put some Entwistle Neodymium pickups in (they're about £25GBP each), grab a used Behringer BDi21 and then throw some Rotosound or Elites strings on. You can go from Klank to dirt and everywhere in between with that setup and it's going to cost a fraction of the price of a D&D rig. Take care Rodney, I look forward to seeing your next video whenever that may be.
For everyone wondering, Tom Brantley wires Gedd's pickups. Lives here in my town of Southport approx 5 or so miles away from me. Dude is legend. He is also working on getting his custom order thing together soon, if it isn't already been implemented. Super nice, super awesome guy. My guitarist gets his PAFs from Mr. Brantley.
Skeleton key is a bit more personal and take some guidance, but I'll see at some point if I can turn it into something I think is effective over prerecorded video. Thanks for the input.
I’m so happy to see and hear you again. You’ve been in my thoughts the past few month. I’ve been hoping I’d see you here again. Cheers Rodney! Kick it’s ass.
Dingwall/Darkglass It’s a trend, like Pods were. Dingwall is the PRS for bassists, accountant’s instruments… colourless… good instruments, but zero personality. Warwick was the thing 25 years ago… it’s just fashion. Darkglass are not doing anything special, I had a mate buy the Bass DI box and I just pointed out “It’s just another blend pedal”. Saying all this I have not needed to change my rig since 06. I’ve not needed too, and I’m a working musician. Tech21NYC all the way!
Fender P and MXR DI+ here, and I see no need for any fancy upgrading. If the amp is powerful enough and the cab can handle it then that’s good enough too. No true music fan really cares as long as it sounds good and you play good.
I think the guy that said a Rick and a Spector can sound the same is the same guy that said YYZ was sloppy. Glad to see you back Rodney, awesome job as usual, be well my friend!
I was happy to see you back on here today. I know we don't know each other but, I have missed you and your videos. I've learned a ton from you since I found your channel. You helped me define myself and sound being new to bass and I thank you. God luck and good speed brother!
First off: Welcome Back!!!! Second: These Videos and Posts elsewhere is why I follow you! Love the Honesty and I Actually Love the Non-Neg Shows! So sick of the negative videos, life's too damn short! Again, Welcome Back and My Thoughts go out to you and Wish You the Best!
So glad to see you back!!! I would absolutely love to see a tapping course but I also hope you can make videos regularly again. You already look way better! So keep it up and stay strong, best wishes from my family ;).
Awesome to see you in good spirits and your epic snark has returned full stop! You bring the truth and tell it exactly like it is. Very much looking forward to more great nuggets of gold 🤘
I am so glad you re back! We missed you so much. Best bass teacher and most inspiring bass person on the Internet. Thank you so much for another great video! And by the way, Tech21>Darkglass all day, every day.
That's why I sold my B7K Ultra. I got tired of the generic sound everyone is going for with them and the thing is these pedals take the character out of your bass :)
Awesome to see you - looking healthier and hope on the up! On Dingglass and Darkwalls - to me if everyone has jumped on the bandwagon it's usually a sign to go the other way; just my approach for everything, not just gear. Both brands are very vanilla - seemingly high end and expensive, but nothing to show for it in terms of personality or uniqueness. Tried a Thingwall with wonky frets - a massive meh. I'll stick to my battered Peavey head from the 1980s, gouged out Warwick from when they were worth something, and the SansAmp/MXR combo, they'll do me fine for some time to come.
Its so amazing to see you back🔥🤘🏾 Edit: I undertand your Point With darkglass. I have the Microtubes Infinity , but my Sound differs on what other people Sound . I always use the stuff that I have : The darkglass Pedal, my cort Bass and my Fender Rumble Lt25 and make the best Out of IT. Because With this I can find my Sound
Great to see you back! I've been rewatching a lot of your old content lately as there is so much in them that I missed the first time or wasn't ready to learn yet. The internet really is a firehose of knowledge that you can drown in if your aren't careful.
I bought a darkglass b7k ultra v2 a while back second hand for a steal as I wanted a preamp/DI pedal that can run my tone FOH and also a distortion and it was an easy one stop shop. I definitely fell into the stereotypical scooped tone camp, although I never got a dingwall and stuck with my current spread of an ibanez soundgear, gibson thunderbird and 98 warwick thumb 5 string. I play in thrash and black metal bands and I found out pretty quickly (especially when we started recording demos/eps) that tone just doesnt cut it. Rolling off the drive until its just a little dirt, bringing the mids back and suddenly I’m back where I want to be. I haven’t played a sansamp but its definitely on my list and I wouldn’t be surprised if thats the route I end up going for my style. Cleaner tones just cut so much better when you’re dealing with a wall of driven guitars. In defence of darkglass and dingwall, I think both companies make fantastic products that are way more versatile than anyone gives them credit for but as you said, the uninspired masses have created a stereotype that they seem to have been lumped into through no fault of their own really. The current wave of -core music I find incredibly boring, flat and excessively over produced. Its interesting also that when I have watched mixing videos featuring tracks by some of these “big” bands when tracks are isolated it becomes pretty obvious how weak some of the performances are and how much editing/production goes into making it sound the way it sounds.
@@RodneyMcG the rise of the bedroom bassist and the pursuit of a standalone tone as opposed to one that suits a mix/band hasn't helped either. One of the many reasons I love your channel is you always approach tone within the context of a mix or band situation because you have had that experience and know first hand that a great tone when you're playing by yourself doesn't always stack up when you add it to a full band
Great to have you back, Rodney! I would be very interested in video courses because your playing and the way you put things across resonates with me. The trouble is I'm relatively new to bass and my ability is limited. I think you did something similar in 2022 but I have seen great progress from a video course I took where you were sent a new bassline 5 days a week for a month. They are real basslines from real bands but are memorable melodic riffs. It had different difficulty levels for each day (different ways of playing, fills, melodies on higher frets), so it has lessons I can use in the future. The fact you have to learn something different each day is of benefit to me. Any help you can offer to improve my metal playing techniques (via playing real music) would be greatly welcomed. Thank you!
Love the idea of tapping stuff...one thing that I think would be interesting is to show not only the tapping technique but I think it is important if you can cover the gear itself for tapping...what I mean is the strings action, the EQs, compression etc because sometimes you can learn how to do that 2 hands stuff but mostly basses are not setup in the way that you can do that "easily" so it would be interesting if you could cover that as well...I am glad that you are alright!
Great to see you back and with the energy and humor to put together an informative vid. I just bought a Marcus Miller V5 a couple months ago so I’m going have to see if it can get a Rickenbacker type of tone from it. Your interview videos have always been great viewing so maybe one with an old school metal bassist.
Glad you're back, Rodney! I'd be interested in tips related to performance and stage presence. I think navigating the pitfalls of maintaining a healthy performing group and develop a balanced band sound is wide open.
@@RodneyMcG Hey Rodney- would just like to expound a little on the above comment. It's relatively easy to start a band; it's relatively difficult to maintain a band. Group dynamics, egos, "sound guy's" FOH balance vs the band's internal ear, setlist selection especially with respect to being on-brand or not. I've encountered all of this over the years while playing in several cover-bands and a couple of originals groups. With the cover band quartet I'm playing with we try to keep a dynamic setlist by swapping eight to ten new songs each year. (The band has been together for five years.) The selection process has each member present three songs where the other members vote one in. This has resulted in a list where in a single set we could play Ten Years After's "Once There Was A Time", Lenny Kravitz' "Are You Gonna Go My Way" and A Flock Of Seagull's "I Ran." We're a motley crew of fifty-somethings with day jobs and families. Last year the band played forty paid gigs, so the selection process got us where we are. The downside we're encountering now is whether or not new suggestions are "on brand" with each member supporting a mildly different position. We're working through it... One of the many reasons I enjoy your TH-cam channel is discussion regarding bass guitar tone and how it fits in the mix, or not. My guitarist uses a Helix and downloads patches to get the sound he wants to generate tone from EVH to mid-seventies low-gain. I run a limited pedal board with a Fulltone Fat Boost and a Tech 21 DI-2112 through an Ashdown Head Of Doom paired with a Mark Bass STD 151 HR. I've developed a tone that sits well with the majority of the Helix patches. A moderate amount of drive with the mids boosted (6db) around 350MHz and 1.2MHz is a good description. I've had the experience where the sound guy kept EQ-ing out all the grit, fizz and tang leaving only a lifeless thud. You don't always hear FOH. I've started using wireless from bass-to-pedal board so I can walk out front during sound check. Anyway, rereading this sounds more like war stories rather than content suggestions. Please take the value from it you can.
Yeah, I'm sick and tired of the whole Dingwall and Darkglass thing, that gimmicky fad has lasted waaaay too long. Now, where's my P-bass, Sansamp and SVT... But seriously, it's so good to see you again! Best wishes from Denmark!
Out-freakin-standing to see you back here Rodney. You're looking and sounding good! On bass sound, one of my basses is a cheap ESP one (PJ) into which I dropped some passive EMG GZR pickups. It's a comfortable bass to play but it always sounded a bit boxy. Now it sounds bloody good and my band-mates love it - especially through my SansAmp YYZ. Video lessons - I would definitely buy/download these should you make them, most likely would pick and choose from a 'smorgasboard' as $$$ allow at the time.
Man, not sure why I didn't get a pop up since you returned. Glad you are doing better. Love your videos. I gotta say, I agree with the Spector-rickenbacker comment. I used to have a ric 4003. I have an old Aria SB Elite 1 from 87. I put a SD Ric pickup in it and it's close enough for me. Just rolling the tone back gets me more of the vintage tone. That SD pup is very hot and gives a lot more bite than the old 4003. I match it up with the yyz and a darkglass vmt for geddy/lemmy/squire tone.its not perfect, but it's close enough and I find the old aria basses just better in quality than the ric. I also heard wal basses git close to ric tone, I put in a pair of 8 coils and the lusithand nfp preamps in my Spector Rex brown and I can kinda get an eq similar, but I just use it to get more of the big money rush tone with it. The Rex is maple neck thru and body with rosewood board. So, wood wise and construction, it does well and the pickups and preamp finish most of the job. Again, not perfect but still saves you about 9 to 10k on a real wal. Talking darkglass and dingwall, not a fan of the fan frets. Too strange for me. Rather just use my Stingray or other modded basses instead. I've been using both tech 21 and darkglass for ever. I love marrying the pair. Just using the old bass driver di for a fat tubey bass tone and the x ultra for cleaner overdrive high end cuts nicely to my ears. To each their own, you can always save money with off brand pedals that clone the tone or just go digital. What I see is bass is a canvas and the type of bass, amp, pedals, and playing style is your paints and brush. Some want a p bass thru a sansamp and ampeg, while others want an ibanez thru a b7k thru a gk amp. I'm on a long ish trip, so I'm going to catch up on some of your latest uploads. Be well, dude.
I think people also tend to forget that your channel and content is an extension of your preferences and creativity, and also the fact that people can say a lot more about things you like versus things you dislike (that is sometimes, people love to hate bandwagon too). So it's nice to have a channel that just doesn't dive into the mainstream. It's good to have the voices that have a personality behind their creativity instead of just listening to the same, old, Darkglass B7K bass tone on everythinggggg. Which sure, call me a hypocrite, I currently run a Darkglass Alpha Omega with very little gain on it to kind of add a little bit of more punch to my playing, but I blame the local music store for making that pedal so cheap it'd be a crime not to get it 😂. And realistically I could replace that pedal with a million different types of distortions, but it does work as a nice place holder because I am brokeee and never buy any of my equipment full price. So for what it is worth though, I do love the teaching content, it has definitely helped a lot. Idk if you know the bass channel "Low End University" but I feel like more of that teaching style of watching the bass player of your choice play, and then demonstrating the techniques could be a way to really push for the resurgence in the bass playing styles you are talking about. In saying that, I know you haven't posted in a while so I do hope you are doing well, you content has definitely been a major help in my playing journey and my tone making trials
Thanks for the input. Again, I don't have a problem with the gear. it's the fact that people buy it as a shortcut to the same sound over and over again. I've heard it be used in interesting ways. It's just the same old crap seems to be the majority. I'm really glad you're getting something from the channel. I'm actually in the process of revamping a bit. I'll be posting a few gear items soon, but then will be cutting them way back. I'll be concentrating almost exlusively on lessons, analysis, and even career guidance. I feel there is a much more to pass on there. My health has slowed me down a good bit, but we'll see how goes. Hope you enjoy some of the new content.
Welcome back! As a Dingwall owner it's fair to point out that even the Combustion or NG variant is capable of so much more than metal, the Canadian basses are another level though in terms of feel. I'd argue that, after you process the fuck out of the signal with your FX to "get metal" the bass makes very little difference as long as it's something that inspires you to play.
Because the hype died down a bit but it´s really damn rough. D&D, that´s all there seems to be for "modern metal" or anything that wants to be stylish and modern. It´s like apple products, people with loads of cash and little personality but it... in the guitar recording world, it would be the V30&SM57 combo.
Rodney, you're back!!! Praise be to all the gods and to all those who fought for your health!! I'm so glad to see you again! It seemed like an eternity had passed since the previous video!
Hey Rodney, only recently discovered your channel but also saw the video about your ill health. Glad to see you're still making videos and look to be in good spirits. Will be keeping my eye out for future videos and going back through your tutorials as I feel I've gotten very "stale" on bass in the last couple years. Again though, just glad to see you in good spirits after what has clearly been an extremely difficult time for you and your family.
Glad to have you back, man! I was super stoked when I saw you posted a new video. I personally think the Dingwall/Darkglass thing is way played out even though they make great gear. I personally can't stand that super trebly, fizzy tone everyone seems to be using. Personally, I think a Spector played aggressively, especially with a pick, through a sansamp or a pushed SVT is THE metal tone, i.e. Rex Brown or Jason Newsted on the black album.
I just talked with folks how your bass channel is the best out there and I'm hoping you're doing better soon. So glad that you're back. Thank you so much!
Also: Finally someone who has the same opinion as me about darkglass/parallax and dingwall basses. It's a cool sound, but the more often you hear it, the less special it got. Yeah, sounds cool by itself, but if everyone has the same sound, does it matter? Default boring ass cookie cutter approach. Always said it and it looked like I'm dying on that hill lonely. So glad I'm not crazy haha
So glad to see you Rodney - you are by far the best bass channel out there. I started playing in 1991 and been through a plethora of basses, amps etc. I don't play in a band any longer but looking & listening back on it my best tone ever was; a MM Sterling into two Eden WT300 heads in which one head powered an SWR 2x12 and the other powered a SWR 8x8 & that's it. My band played crunchy, detuned, both slow & fast metal-like songs. I had no SansAmp (but probably should have) & no effects except for a Boss Bass Distortion that I would use for only one song (and it was just for the intro & mid-break then I'd stomp it off). It was cool to hear sound guys come up to me after the set and ask what kind of bass amp I was using because they'd say things "That is the best bass tone I've heard since I started doing this." This was in the late 90's in Seattle & I wish I had that rig to begin with & kept it. But somehow my bass, into Eden amp, into SWR speaker cab with no effects was the best combo I had.
Great choice in gear. There was a real rennaissance in sound going on then, most people have forgotten it. I have a number of amp items i wish i had kept! A Eden XST among them. Thanks for the good word on the channel. All the best.
Yes!!!!!! So glad to see you on YT again!!!!!!!! Even my non-musician wife enjoys watching you!!!!! I’m so glad that someone besides myself is tired of the darkglass and dingwall sound!!! I could never figure out the attraction!!!! As for lessons- definitely looking at the Stu hamm style of tapping. How about a fretless video as well? Lessons priced at $20.00 for 20 minutes that we can buy and download? Glad to see you once again and your humor is still intact!!!
I’m happy to watch this video, Rodney! It’s good to see you up and about! Spot on with your advice about buying a lower priced Jazz Bass to get a Rickenbacker-type of sound. Chris Squire also played a Jazz Bass, and I have a hard time telling the difference between his Jazz Bass and his Rickenbacker. BTW, I agree a Rickenbacker 4001/4003 sounds very different from a Spector(I do own both), but I’d sure love to hear Geddy Lee playing a Spector. Take care!
I"m curious, maybe a video idea, to hear your thoughts about choosing musicians and bandmates to form a band with. I've had some bad experiences and am kind of reserved about choosing people to surround myself with generally. For me, I kind of lean more on 'friendship first', then talk about music. Another thing I've been thinking about is focusing on building my skill as a bass player and work towards writing my own music - one of the ideas being to position myself as someone who is not easily replaced. On the same token, I also see that it is important for me to be playing with other musicians and not to remain always playing alone in my cave. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about this subject. Take care!
So glad to see you doing well and to see a video from you, my favorite bass channel. Yes, Rickenbackers are temperamental. My 2012 4003 has a really unstable neck that I'm constantly fucking with. (I hear the brand-new ricks with only 1 truss rod might be better) Not to mention if you're serious, you're going to be spending another ~150 on a hipshot replacement bridge. AND taking off the bridge pickup cover. However the sound you get is totally inimitable. Nothing gets close to the grind and growl. They can sound really clear with the right set of strings. A Rickenbacker, a suitable dirt pedal and a fresh set of strings is an unholy combination. Keep the vids coming man!
Just found your channel. Totally subscribed. I have always thought exactly the same about Darkglass. Everyone sounds the same now. Also, I play black metal with a Rickenbacker! I've had two, a 2014 and 1992. They feel and sound like completely different basses. Ended up selling the 2014. 1992 has a better tone, is lighter, and has a thinner neck.
@@RodneyMcGI think it always goes back to the influence of Motorhead. At least that's how it started for me. It has definitely helped me cut through the mix over the years. Most of time that can be uphill battle in a Black Metal band.
Love the idea of lesson packages! I wonder about the amazing bass player from sleep . . . How does he get his Rick down tuned to C? I wonder if he files his nut to fit like a 5 string BEAD and then down tunes from there.
Rodney! So happy to see you brother. You had me laughing with all your quips. You look great! Definitely the video lessons to access on demand. We need a good metal bass course. Stay strong 🤘🏼
Well, my schedule just changed. When the world's greatest metal-bass teacher speaks, you listen.
You're too kind, sir!
@@RodneyMcG much love from MT man. U helped me w motivation and some techniques. Ur dope d00d
@@dylanhill6230 Thanks, Dylan
THE KING OF METAL BASS HAS RETURNED!!!!
Glad youre alive and well Rodney!
Glad to see you back making videos Rodney.
Love what Cliff B. and DD Verni did with their Riks.
Barely at the three and half minute mark and FINALLY! Someone said it. The truth about dingwall and dark glass. Badass basses and great tone but everyone’s doing it. Mix up your tone and make it yours.
Love the channel! Love your wisdom and information. 🤘
ROOOODNEY. Hope you are holding up ok man. We all love you. Awesome to see you back and still with a passion to do this
You're looking a lot better, Rodney...👍
Great subjects that I feel much the same way about...
I think the dingwall and dark glass combo has become the same thing as the vintage 30 with the SM57. Good to see you brother!!! You're looking well!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Great analogy
I’m stoked to see this my friend and my favorite quote “Nollys nuts drag the ground…” 😂
Damn, it's so good to see you alive man. You gained a bit of weight also. Glad to see you back.
Glad to have you back! Looking forward to the new videos!
Your videos helped me get my head out of my ass as a beginner when I started playing about 3 years ago. I practiced my ass off and learnt what my gear did and I am a lot better than a lot of players are at around 3 years in. Thank you, your video on compression instead of distortion really helped. You are THE best! I hope all the best for you!
Thanks a lot, I'm really glad I could help in your musical journey.
SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! I hope all is well, or improving with your health issues.
I'm sooo happy you are healthy enough to make a new video. I really hope you get better, and live as long as happy as possible.
Thank you
Rodney, it's a genuine pleasure to see you again. My damn bell thing had unchecked itself so I've only just seen your video.
I hope that you have managed to get some sort of handle on your health issues, I also suffer from chronic illness so I appreciate what you're up against.
By the way, I tend to agree on the Dingwall Darkglass thing and what I'd say to someone starting out looking for metal tone for cheap, get any Jazz bass, put some Entwistle Neodymium pickups in (they're about £25GBP each), grab a used Behringer BDi21 and then throw some Rotosound or Elites strings on. You can go from Klank to dirt and everywhere in between with that setup and it's going to cost a fraction of the price of a D&D rig.
Take care Rodney, I look forward to seeing your next video whenever that may be.
For everyone wondering, Tom Brantley wires Gedd's pickups. Lives here in my town of Southport approx 5 or so miles away from me. Dude is legend. He is also working on getting his custom order thing together soon, if it isn't already been implemented. Super nice, super awesome guy. My guitarist gets his PAFs from Mr. Brantley.
About yor question:
I think that prerecorded lessons would be great. I would have certainty got a Skeleton Key "package" if it was available.
Skeleton key is a bit more personal and take some guidance, but I'll see at some point if I can turn it into something I think is effective over prerecorded video. Thanks for the input.
Using a Rick in a metal context is just simply fun, last year I got the Al Cisneros 4003 and its perfect for the band I'm in.
I’m so happy to see and hear you again. You’ve been in my thoughts the past few month. I’ve been hoping I’d see you here again. Cheers Rodney! Kick it’s ass.
Dingwall/Darkglass
It’s a trend, like Pods were.
Dingwall is the PRS for bassists, accountant’s instruments… colourless… good instruments, but zero personality. Warwick was the thing 25 years ago… it’s just fashion.
Darkglass are not doing anything special, I had a mate buy the Bass DI box and I just pointed out “It’s just another blend pedal”.
Saying all this I have not needed to change my rig since 06. I’ve not needed too, and I’m a working musician. Tech21NYC all the way!
Fender P and MXR DI+ here, and I see no need for any fancy upgrading. If the amp is powerful enough and the cab can handle it then that’s good enough too. No true music fan really cares as long as it sounds good and you play good.
Stoked to see this again! I hope that your mental and physical health are doing better man. We've missed you!
I think the guy that said a Rick and a Spector can sound the same is the same guy that said YYZ was sloppy. Glad to see you back Rodney, awesome job as usual, be well my friend!
Ha! Very likely! Thanks for the kind words
You're looking well. Good to see you back.
Thanks!
Great to see you back Rodney. Hoping for your full recovery.
Thank you
I was happy to see you back on here today. I know we don't know each other but, I have missed you and your videos. I've learned a ton from you since I found your channel. You helped me define myself and sound being new to bass and I thank you. God luck and good speed brother!
Thank you so much!
Missed you dude. Glad to see your face! Now let’s get to bassin!
Absolutely!
First off: Welcome Back!!!!
Second: These Videos and Posts elsewhere is why I follow you! Love the Honesty and I Actually Love the Non-Neg Shows! So sick of the negative videos, life's too damn short!
Again, Welcome Back and My Thoughts go out to you and Wish You the Best!
So glad to see you back!!! I would absolutely love to see a tapping course but I also hope you can make videos regularly again. You already look way better! So keep it up and stay strong, best wishes from my family ;).
Thanks!
Awesome to see you in good spirits and your epic snark has returned full stop! You bring the truth and tell it exactly like it is. Very much looking forward to more great nuggets of gold 🤘
Thank you kindly, Kevin!
I am so glad you re back! We missed you so much. Best bass teacher and most inspiring bass person on the Internet. Thank you so much for another great video! And by the way, Tech21>Darkglass all day, every day.
Thanks, good to see you again!
🎉🥳 YAY❣️ So GREAT to see your face on here.
Thanks, Michelle!
That's why I sold my B7K Ultra. I got tired of the generic sound everyone is going for with them and the thing is these pedals take the character out of your bass :)
Awesome to see you - looking healthier and hope on the up!
On Dingglass and Darkwalls - to me if everyone has jumped on the bandwagon it's usually a sign to go the other way; just my approach for everything, not just gear. Both brands are very vanilla - seemingly high end and expensive, but nothing to show for it in terms of personality or uniqueness. Tried a Thingwall with wonky frets - a massive meh. I'll stick to my battered Peavey head from the 1980s, gouged out Warwick from when they were worth something, and the SansAmp/MXR combo, they'll do me fine for some time to come.
Its so amazing to see you back🔥🤘🏾
Edit: I undertand your Point With darkglass. I have the Microtubes Infinity , but my Sound differs on what other people Sound . I always use the stuff that I have : The darkglass Pedal, my cort Bass and my Fender Rumble Lt25 and make the best Out of IT. Because With this I can find my Sound
Exactly - YOU'RE sound! I have a problem with the players, not the gear. Good for you on doing your own thing.
@@RodneyMcG Also , I what is the "typical" darkglass Sound that you dont Like. Is IT the distortion, or Just how they eq the Bass?
@@krms2504 A little of both, but mostly it's the eq curve and baked in tone they don't do anything to personalize.
@@RodneyMcG Ah ok. The eg Curve is probaly midscooped or am I wrong?
@@krms2504 It's a bit scooped, but the main issue is a mid spike that you can't dial out.
Great to see you back! I've been rewatching a lot of your old content lately as there is so much in them that I missed the first time or wasn't ready to learn yet. The internet really is a firehose of knowledge that you can drown in if your aren't careful.
Awesome, thank you! I'm going to talk about more about practice and how to manage that firehose moreeffectively in a video soon. Hope it helps!
I bought a darkglass b7k ultra v2 a while back second hand for a steal as I wanted a preamp/DI pedal that can run my tone FOH and also a distortion and it was an easy one stop shop. I definitely fell into the stereotypical scooped tone camp, although I never got a dingwall and stuck with my current spread of an ibanez soundgear, gibson thunderbird and 98 warwick thumb 5 string. I play in thrash and black metal bands and I found out pretty quickly (especially when we started recording demos/eps) that tone just doesnt cut it. Rolling off the drive until its just a little dirt, bringing the mids back and suddenly I’m back where I want to be.
I haven’t played a sansamp but its definitely on my list and I wouldn’t be surprised if thats the route I end up going for my style. Cleaner tones just cut so much better when you’re dealing with a wall of driven guitars.
In defence of darkglass and dingwall, I think both companies make fantastic products that are way more versatile than anyone gives them credit for but as you said, the uninspired masses have created a stereotype that they seem to have been lumped into through no fault of their own really. The current wave of -core music I find incredibly boring, flat and excessively over produced. Its interesting also that when I have watched mixing videos featuring tracks by some of these “big” bands when tracks are isolated it becomes pretty obvious how weak some of the performances are and how much editing/production goes into making it sound the way it sounds.
Great points, totally agree.
@@RodneyMcG the rise of the bedroom bassist and the pursuit of a standalone tone as opposed to one that suits a mix/band hasn't helped either. One of the many reasons I love your channel is you always approach tone within the context of a mix or band situation because you have had that experience and know first hand that a great tone when you're playing by yourself doesn't always stack up when you add it to a full band
Great to see you’re up and posting again, really missed your takes and frankness
Great to have you back, Rodney! I would be very interested in video courses because your playing and the way you put things across resonates with me. The trouble is I'm relatively new to bass and my ability is limited.
I think you did something similar in 2022 but I have seen great progress from a video course I took where you were sent a new bassline 5 days a week for a month. They are real basslines from real bands but are memorable melodic riffs. It had different difficulty levels for each day (different ways of playing, fills, melodies on higher frets), so it has lessons I can use in the future. The fact you have to learn something different each day is of benefit to me.
Any help you can offer to improve my metal playing techniques (via playing real music) would be greatly welcomed. Thank you!
Love the idea of tapping stuff...one thing that I think would be interesting is to show not only the tapping technique but I think it is important if you can cover the gear itself for tapping...what I mean is the strings action, the EQs, compression etc because sometimes you can learn how to do that 2 hands stuff but mostly basses are not setup in the way that you can do that "easily" so it would be interesting if you could cover that as well...I am glad that you are alright!
Happy to see you back! Blessings and be well!
Thank you so much! And thanks for the great question
Yes! Looking great my man. So pleased you are back.
Great to see you back and with the energy and humor to put together an informative vid.
I just bought a Marcus Miller V5 a couple months ago so I’m going have to see if it can get a Rickenbacker type of tone from it.
Your interview videos have always been great viewing so maybe one with an old school metal bassist.
I'd buy the crap out of the video series idea, please do it 🤘 Great video as always man, I've learned so much from your videos
Thanks for the input!
Lovely too see you back, Rodney! Much love!
Glad you're back, Rodney! I'd be interested in tips related to performance and stage presence. I think navigating the pitfalls of maintaining a healthy performing group and develop a balanced band sound is wide open.
Really good input. Thanks!
@@RodneyMcG Hey Rodney- would just like to expound a little on the above comment. It's relatively easy to start a band; it's relatively difficult to maintain a band. Group dynamics, egos, "sound guy's" FOH balance vs the band's internal ear, setlist selection especially with respect to being on-brand or not. I've encountered all of this over the years while playing in several cover-bands and a couple of originals groups.
With the cover band quartet I'm playing with we try to keep a dynamic setlist by swapping eight to ten new songs each year. (The band has been together for five years.) The selection process has each member present three songs where the other members vote one in. This has resulted in a list where in a single set we could play Ten Years After's "Once There Was A Time", Lenny Kravitz' "Are You Gonna Go My Way" and A Flock Of Seagull's "I Ran." We're a motley crew of fifty-somethings with day jobs and families. Last year the band played forty paid gigs, so the selection process got us where we are. The downside we're encountering now is whether or not new suggestions are "on brand" with each member supporting a mildly different position. We're working through it...
One of the many reasons I enjoy your TH-cam channel is discussion regarding bass guitar tone and how it fits in the mix, or not. My guitarist uses a Helix and downloads patches to get the sound he wants to generate tone from EVH to mid-seventies low-gain. I run a limited pedal board with a Fulltone Fat Boost and a Tech 21 DI-2112 through an Ashdown Head Of Doom paired with a Mark Bass STD 151 HR. I've developed a tone that sits well with the majority of the Helix patches. A moderate amount of drive with the mids boosted (6db) around 350MHz and 1.2MHz is a good description. I've had the experience where the sound guy kept EQ-ing out all the grit, fizz and tang leaving only a lifeless thud. You don't always hear FOH. I've started using wireless from bass-to-pedal board so I can walk out front during sound check.
Anyway, rereading this sounds more like war stories rather than content suggestions. Please take the value from it you can.
Yeah, I'm sick and tired of the whole Dingwall and Darkglass thing, that gimmicky fad has lasted waaaay too long. Now, where's my P-bass, Sansamp and SVT...
But seriously, it's so good to see you again! Best wishes from Denmark!
You know I was literally thinking of you just 2days ago, thinking I must send you a message…., and here you are , 🙏great to see you back ✌️😁.
Thanks!
good to see you back🤗
I'd definitely be interested in purchasing a series of methodology-style video lessons
Thanks for the input
Awesome as always. I would love to see more bass amp head videos honestly
So glad, you are back!!!! 👍👍👍
Glad to have you back! 🤘
Paid video lessons for download? ---> Yes! 👍
Out-freakin-standing to see you back here Rodney. You're looking and sounding good! On bass sound, one of my basses is a cheap ESP one (PJ) into which I dropped some passive EMG GZR pickups. It's a comfortable bass to play but it always sounded a bit boxy. Now it sounds bloody good and my band-mates love it - especially through my SansAmp YYZ. Video lessons - I would definitely buy/download these should you make them, most likely would pick and choose from a 'smorgasboard' as $$$ allow at the time.
I agree that the geezer set are pretty amazing. Thanks for the input as well, it definitely helps me sort out what projects to work on
Rodney hope you’re okay. Been watching a lot of your videos and really appreciate all the insights. Hang strong 🤘🏻
Hi Rodney, it's really good to see you back here. I look forward to your future content, but please put your own well being first.
Thank you, I will
The return of the king
So good to see you back!!!!!!!
Man, not sure why I didn't get a pop up since you returned. Glad you are doing better. Love your videos. I gotta say, I agree with the Spector-rickenbacker comment.
I used to have a ric 4003. I have an old Aria SB Elite 1 from 87. I put a SD Ric pickup in it and it's close enough for me. Just rolling the tone back gets me more of the vintage tone. That SD pup is very hot and gives a lot more bite than the old 4003. I match it up with the yyz and a darkglass vmt for geddy/lemmy/squire tone.its not perfect, but it's close enough and I find the old aria basses just better in quality than the ric.
I also heard wal basses git close to ric tone, I put in a pair of 8 coils and the lusithand nfp preamps in my Spector Rex brown and I can kinda get an eq similar, but I just use it to get more of the big money rush tone with it. The Rex is maple neck thru and body with rosewood board. So, wood wise and construction, it does well and the pickups and preamp finish most of the job. Again, not perfect but still saves you about 9 to 10k on a real wal.
Talking darkglass and dingwall, not a fan of the fan frets. Too strange for me. Rather just use my Stingray or other modded basses instead. I've been using both tech 21 and darkglass for ever. I love marrying the pair. Just using the old bass driver di for a fat tubey bass tone and the x ultra for cleaner overdrive high end cuts nicely to my ears. To each their own, you can always save money with off brand pedals that clone the tone or just go digital. What I see is bass is a canvas and the type of bass, amp, pedals, and playing style is your paints and brush. Some want a p bass thru a sansamp and ampeg, while others want an ibanez thru a b7k thru a gk amp.
I'm on a long ish trip, so I'm going to catch up on some of your latest uploads. Be well, dude.
Great info, thanks for dropping that in
I think people also tend to forget that your channel and content is an extension of your preferences and creativity, and also the fact that people can say a lot more about things you like versus things you dislike (that is sometimes, people love to hate bandwagon too). So it's nice to have a channel that just doesn't dive into the mainstream. It's good to have the voices that have a personality behind their creativity instead of just listening to the same, old, Darkglass B7K bass tone on everythinggggg.
Which sure, call me a hypocrite, I currently run a Darkglass Alpha Omega with very little gain on it to kind of add a little bit of more punch to my playing, but I blame the local music store for making that pedal so cheap it'd be a crime not to get it 😂. And realistically I could replace that pedal with a million different types of distortions, but it does work as a nice place holder because I am brokeee and never buy any of my equipment full price.
So for what it is worth though, I do love the teaching content, it has definitely helped a lot. Idk if you know the bass channel "Low End University" but I feel like more of that teaching style of watching the bass player of your choice play, and then demonstrating the techniques could be a way to really push for the resurgence in the bass playing styles you are talking about.
In saying that, I know you haven't posted in a while so I do hope you are doing well, you content has definitely been a major help in my playing journey and my tone making trials
Thanks for the input. Again, I don't have a problem with the gear. it's the fact that people buy it as a shortcut to the same sound over and over again. I've heard it be used in interesting ways. It's just the same old crap seems to be the majority.
I'm really glad you're getting something from the channel. I'm actually in the process of revamping a bit. I'll be posting a few gear items soon, but then will be cutting them way back. I'll be concentrating almost exlusively on lessons, analysis, and even career guidance. I feel there is a much more to pass on there.
My health has slowed me down a good bit, but we'll see how goes. Hope you enjoy some of the new content.
Great to see you back at it!
Welcome back!
As a Dingwall owner it's fair to point out that even the Combustion or NG variant is capable of so much more than metal, the Canadian basses are another level though in terms of feel.
I'd argue that, after you process the fuck out of the signal with your FX to "get metal" the bass makes very little difference as long as it's something that inspires you to play.
I actually never heard of dingwal or darkglass. I feel i spent a fair amount of time on bass forums. But not on the gear sections evidently.
Because the hype died down a bit but it´s really damn rough. D&D, that´s all there seems to be for "modern metal" or anything that wants to be stylish and modern. It´s like apple products, people with loads of cash and little personality but it... in the guitar recording world, it would be the V30&SM57 combo.
Great to have you back Rodney. I was worried during your absence.
Rodney, you're back!!!
Praise be to all the gods and to all those who fought for your health!!
I'm so glad to see you again! It seemed like an eternity had passed since the previous video!
Hey Rodney, only recently discovered your channel but also saw the video about your ill health. Glad to see you're still making videos and look to be in good spirits. Will be keeping my eye out for future videos and going back through your tutorials as I feel I've gotten very "stale" on bass in the last couple years. Again though, just glad to see you in good spirits after what has clearly been an extremely difficult time for you and your family.
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I how you enjoy the upcoming visits
Glad to have you back, man! I was super stoked when I saw you posted a new video. I personally think the Dingwall/Darkglass thing is way played out even though they make great gear. I personally can't stand that super trebly, fizzy tone everyone seems to be using. Personally, I think a Spector played aggressively, especially with a pick, through a sansamp or a pushed SVT is THE metal tone, i.e. Rex Brown or Jason Newsted on the black album.
I just talked with folks how your bass channel is the best out there and I'm hoping you're doing better soon.
So glad that you're back. Thank you so much!
Also:
Finally someone who has the same opinion as me about darkglass/parallax and dingwall basses. It's a cool sound, but the more often you hear it, the less special it got.
Yeah, sounds cool by itself, but if everyone has the same sound, does it matter? Default boring ass cookie cutter approach.
Always said it and it looked like I'm dying on that hill lonely. So glad I'm not crazy haha
The world needs all the brutal honesty it can get! Great to see ya back!
So good tp see you back on youtube !!!
This is the way !
Indeed it is!
Glad you’re back! I would buy educational stuff if you put it out there.
Thanks for the input!
So glad to see you Rodney - you are by far the best bass channel out there. I started playing in 1991 and been through a plethora of basses, amps etc. I don't play in a band any longer but looking & listening back on it my best tone ever was; a MM Sterling into two Eden WT300 heads in which one head powered an SWR 2x12 and the other powered a SWR 8x8 & that's it. My band played crunchy, detuned, both slow & fast metal-like songs. I had no SansAmp (but probably should have) & no effects except for a Boss Bass Distortion that I would use for only one song (and it was just for the intro & mid-break then I'd stomp it off). It was cool to hear sound guys come up to me after the set and ask what kind of bass amp I was using because they'd say things "That is the best bass tone I've heard since I started doing this." This was in the late 90's in Seattle & I wish I had that rig to begin with & kept it. But somehow my bass, into Eden amp, into SWR speaker cab with no effects was the best combo I had.
Great choice in gear. There was a real rennaissance in sound going on then, most people have forgotten it. I have a number of amp items i wish i had kept! A Eden XST among them. Thanks for the good word on the channel. All the best.
I am so glad to see this! I hope your health has stabilized somewhat and I wish you all the best! Much love Rodney! ♥️♥️♥️
One of the most valuable channels on TH-cam. Thanks for your hard work!
So stoked to see you again, Rodney! All the health and happiness to you!
So great to see you back! Hope you are and continue to get healthier.
You changed my life with your videos and teachings. Glad to see you again!
Wow, thank you!
Love your work and your channel brother. Health and best wishes!
Yes!!!!!! So glad to see you on YT again!!!!!!!! Even my non-musician wife enjoys watching you!!!!!
I’m so glad that someone besides myself is tired of the darkglass and dingwall sound!!! I could never figure out the attraction!!!!
As for lessons- definitely looking at the Stu hamm style of tapping. How about a fretless video as well? Lessons priced at $20.00 for 20 minutes that we can buy and download?
Glad to see you once again and your humor is still intact!!!
Thanks for all the kind words and the input about the lessons. All the best to you.
Rodney Mcg, I am so happy to see you best wishes.
I’m happy to watch this video, Rodney!
It’s good to see you up and about!
Spot on with your advice about buying a lower priced Jazz Bass to get a Rickenbacker-type of sound. Chris Squire also played a Jazz Bass, and I have a hard time telling the difference between his Jazz Bass and his Rickenbacker.
BTW, I agree a Rickenbacker 4001/4003 sounds very different from a Spector(I do own both), but I’d sure love to hear Geddy Lee playing a Spector.
Take care!
Great to see you back. I hope you're doing a lot better and continue to improve. Continuing love and light to you.
Thank you so much!
“Babe, wake up! Rodney just dropped a new video 😩”
😆😆
Glad to see you back Rodney !
Hope your health is going better !
A HUGE hug from The Comrade, uncle Rodney!!! Glad to see you back!
From The bottom of my "Black Metal Heart" Was so happy to see you!!!!!!!
I"m curious, maybe a video idea, to hear your thoughts about choosing musicians and bandmates to form a band with. I've had some bad experiences and am kind of reserved about choosing people to surround myself with generally. For me, I kind of lean more on 'friendship first', then talk about music. Another thing I've been thinking about is focusing on building my skill as a bass player and work towards writing my own music - one of the ideas being to position myself as someone who is not easily replaced.
On the same token, I also see that it is important for me to be playing with other musicians and not to remain always playing alone in my cave.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about this subject. Take care!
I've covered that in some other videos, but i will be revisiting it on some upcoming tak videos for sure. Thanks for the reminder.
So glad to see you doing well and to see a video from you, my favorite bass channel. Yes, Rickenbackers are temperamental. My 2012 4003 has a really unstable neck that I'm constantly fucking with. (I hear the brand-new ricks with only 1 truss rod might be better) Not to mention if you're serious, you're going to be spending another ~150 on a hipshot replacement bridge. AND taking off the bridge pickup cover. However the sound you get is totally inimitable. Nothing gets close to the grind and growl. They can sound really clear with the right set of strings. A Rickenbacker, a suitable dirt pedal and a fresh set of strings is an unholy combination. Keep the vids coming man!
So glad to see you back at it.
To answer your question I would definitely be interested in pre made video lessons or something like that.
Thanks for the input!
Glad to hear that you're okay. Hope you're felling better each day that passes. All the best to you and thanks for the video, interesting as always!
Great to see you!
Glad to see you back Rodney, can't wait for this!
So glad you're back. I have been looking into your channel almost weekly to find out anything. Great seeing you again!
Thank you!
So glad to see you back brother! You look great and forward to future content. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep persevering and rocking! 🤘🤘🤘
Glad to see you Rodney! You showing up in my feed made my day! Sending good vibes and best wishes your way!
Hi Rodney! So great to see you back again! Stay healthy!-Brent,VT USA
Just found your channel. Totally subscribed. I have always thought exactly the same about Darkglass. Everyone sounds the same now. Also, I play black metal with a Rickenbacker! I've had two, a 2014 and 1992. They feel and sound like completely different basses. Ended up selling the 2014. 1992 has a better tone, is lighter, and has a thinner neck.
I do love a good Ric! I've noticed Ric's getting popular in Black Metal. Any insight on that?
@@RodneyMcGI think it always goes back to the influence of Motorhead. At least that's how it started for me. It has definitely helped me cut through the mix over the years. Most of time that can be uphill battle in a Black Metal band.
@@PostArmageddonNeoBarbarian That makes sense
Love the idea of lesson packages! I wonder about the amazing bass player from sleep . . . How does he get his Rick down tuned to C? I wonder if he files his nut to fit like a 5 string BEAD and then down tunes from there.
Hmm, not sure. Many ways to get the job done.
Rodney! So happy to see you brother. You had me laughing with all your quips. You look great! Definitely the video lessons to access on demand. We need a good metal bass course. Stay strong 🤘🏼
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome to see you back doing what you love. Miss the Metal Man👍 I’m intrigued with the upcoming videos etc and tips of course.
More to come!
Great to have you you back on Rodney!!!