u/BeigeAndConfused

I have been playing bass for about 5 years but it has mostly been a gradual learning process outside of proper playing technique (I mainly play guitar). I am learning more about tone now and I am enjoying all the eureka moments of "ohhhh thats why that sounds so different even though its the same gear" kinda EQ moments etc.

I have a Sterling Stingray and I love it. Up until now I have honestly not seen any reason to explore other basses. As I've been digging into tone, though, I'vs noticed a couple things I don't understand.

One is that Steve Harris from Iron Maiden uses a P Bass, and that he uses Flat Wound strings. I haven't used either of those pieces of gear, but I was under the impression flat wounds were more associated with jazz tones, and the P Bass was also not something I figured he'd use. Is there a logic to his choosing these for his tone?

If these are naive questions please excuse the newbishness :) there are only so many hours in the day so I learn what I can when I can! Thank you!

FOLLOW UP QUESTION:
I'm a massive Black Sabbath fan. I feel like Geezer's tone is much different than other hard rock and metal players, EG on Master of Reality. He has a much smoother tone that doesn't have the high end clack that Harris has. What is the logic behind this, EG why would he choose to do this and how does it successfully cut through the mix without turning it into mud (actually its Sabbath, so I should say sludge).

I have been recording a few songs recently and just today, for no apparent reason, my guitars are producing a sound that is reminiscent of a phase or wah effect, very high in treble but also producing a lower gain (I think?) than previously. Some notes:

• It is not due to a dying active pickup. I swapped out the battery from the guitar I was recording with AND plugged in a passive pickup guitar. Same result.
• My drivers are up to date.
• I'm using WaveOut audio settings, the classic red Focusrite audio interface, 24 bit, 44100 sample, 8x128 (latency 23 ms).
• It is not confined to a single Reaper file, every one I've opened is producing this effect.
• I have a Lenovo Legion laptop I got in 2023, there should not be any hardware reason for this.
• It does not appear to be due to settings on the Focusrite, Direct Monitor is off and it is not set to Line.

I didn't watch it directly on Criterion and it doesn't matter HOLY SHIT THAT WAS SUCH A GOOD MOVIE. I haven't really connected with Kurosawa so far besides Ikiru, but now I think I really need to finally watch Rashomon and Throne of Blood. Ran was so good it makes me angry, like the scene with the burning tower alone is one of the best things I've ever seen. Instant 10/10

I've had a Sterling Stingray for about 5-6 years and I honestly still love it, the only bass I've had but I have never had the feeling that I'm playing a cheap budget instrument, I still love playing it (I've played guitar for over 2 decades so I'm just more familiar with that world and brands). If I wanted to try a comparable active pickup fretless bass in that price point what are some good options? I read that Warwick, G&L, and Sire are sonically similar, do those brands have fretless models?

Had no expectations, ended up loving it, such a great moody thriller.

I love this stupid ridiculous amazing movie, where has this been my whole life?