What are some good effects and EQ settings for slap bass?

Question by C.S.

Hi C.S., I've said it before, and I'll say it again... it's up to you to decide what's good. Who knows? You may create a unique sound that Others are trying to copy. With that being said, here are some ideas and considerations: It seems that some bass players like to use a chorus effects pedal to thicken the sound. Others like to use a wah-wah pedal for it's expressiveness or tone modeling. I've heard slappers that use reverb too. Probably the most used 'effect' by slap bass players is compression. A compressor affects your sound by leveling-out the volume... it can also bring more presence to the instrument. This can be useful for slap bass players because it can help the bass cut-through the mix better and it gives the slapping a more even sound. A popular EQ setting for slappers is to scoop out the mids. Now, I generally come from the school-of-thought that the best effect is technique... so, I usually don't use effects. I also like to have more of an unprocessed sound, so I'm not too extreme with my EQ settings. I generally like the EQ pretty flat... perhaps a tiny boost in the mids & lows, with a little cut in the mids. I guess I'm trying to achieve a tone similar to my unamplified bass... just louder. I don't want my amp or effects to 'color' too much of the natural tone of the bass. Why do I like this? Well, it's not just the sound I like, but it's the feel too. This approach makes the feel more lively and responsive to me. Best wishes, Jim