Author Topic: Volume control on bass guitar up full? (Read 200 times)

Glynn · « **on:** October 27, 2011, 01:48:24 AM »

Just interested in any new views on an old thread. Do you leave your volume control on your bass guitar up full when playing? Amplifier manufacturers always say use it up full to get the proper gain setting on amp but if you then turn down to say 3/4 for the gig (to give some leeway) and rarely move it, then why not leave it up full? When I had a Fender Jazz I left them up full but I run constantly at about 3/4 with the Orion so why don't I leave it up full?

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2011, 02:40:02 AM »

There are variables to consider to answer this question . The variables considered would be gain output of the instrument among other desired interactions of the player regarding their technique. With an active instrument the answer could be entirely different then a passive instrument.

With my Alembic Series I/II Bass Guitars I tend to like the internal gain trimpots rather high and use a lighter right hand /plucking technique .I usually like the volume pots 3/4 or less to give some leeway .
This answer could get quite technical________ It all depends on what you like . I like low distortion but with high gain. If you have to much gain however you will get distortion from overdriving the input stage in the signal chain of your amplification system .
In theory;___ All of these settings can be measured on test equipment as part of a calibration if one chose to;
as a difference of potential or voltage /millivolts or volts @ the instruments output. AC volts measured with volt meter /a DVM( digital voltmeter) or oscilloscope. I tend to like to use my ears when I play however.I paint with my ears. But if I would have to I could give you numbers.

Happy Gain Calibration Celebration________ LOL ___ Time for me to sleep now __.

jacko · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2011, 04:32:40 AM »

I leave mine at about 3/4 and set the stage level at my amp. this means that when the guitarists start to get too loud I can sneakily add some volume from the bass instead of the (more obvious) amp ;-)

graeme

stout71 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2011, 06:49:27 AM »

My Warwick Thumb produces a very slight amount of distortion when the volume is up all the way, but it's a pleasant sound so I usually leave it there, but I back it off a little (to around 90%) if I'm playing funk stuff that needs to be clean. In the studio I back it off as the signal to noise ratio needs to be optimized as much as possible.

pauldo · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2011, 01:45:00 PM »

I'm from the school of Graeme - for the EXACT same reasons! :-D

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2011, 03:39:53 PM »

+2 to Graeme and Pauldo. I have set my internal gains to attempt a level match between my 3 Alembics (although I'm not sure if I'm on target and don't have access to scopes or metering).
Mike

(Message edited by dadabass2001 on October 27, 2011)

JimmyJ · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2011, 04:45:56 PM »

Interesting thread!

I also leave some headroom with the master volume - run it at maybe 80% and even have a tape mark so I can get back there. I run the internal pres hot - at what is approaching a line level (maybe 0dB), balance the two pickups to my liking using the trimpots, and then the pickup volume knobs stay wide open and the master has a bit of throw available. I'm not even sure why I do this anymore but I suppose there are moments when a bit of extra gain might be called for. Like if you're doing volume swells, or, as you guys suggested, the guitar player situation. Ha!

It should also be mentioned that when you change the volume on these op-amp out basses the tone and dynamic range is not effected, whereas on passive instruments the volume pot does alter the tone. (Some players use that passive instrument feature...)

Jimmy J

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** October 27, 2011, 08:14:39 PM »

Yes Sir , there is nothing else like the pres hot , love that part of an Alembic Series I/II . Here is a fun site regarding gain levels ;

http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-volt.htm

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2011, 08:22:58 PM »

Yes you also get this;

http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-db-volt.htm

But thats not all !______________

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2011, 06:26:27 AM »

this means that when the guitarists start to get too loud I can sneakily add some volume from the bass instead of the (more obvious) amp ;-)

We know what you guys are up to, and we're doing the same thing.

stout71 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2011, 06:52:01 AM »

Kevin - remember - you are part of the club, i.e. smarter than most guitarists.

I just use in-ear monitors. Then I have complete control over my mix anyway.

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2011, 07:07:01 AM »

I leave my guitar volume at 10 all the time. I then place a volume pedal at the end of my effects chain and adjust volume there. In this way I can accomplish the same result as an on board effects loop, (the effects always see the same signal), without the extra stereo cord. Power to the foot!

Bill, tgo

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2011, 08:24:42 AM »

I typically control my fuzz and distortion pedals using my volume knob. I can get them to clean up completely by backing off a bit, and then ramp things up when needed without doing a tap dance. I've been thinking lately that it might be nice to have something like one of those Lehle loop boxes to switch off my delay pedal without cutting off the repeats.

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2011, 10:28:34 AM »

I'm going to start doing what Bill does; I just ordered a low impedance volume pedal to put at the end of my effects chain, so my effects will alway see the same signal level. I sidestepped the issue of controlling my overdrive via my guitar's volume by adding more effects boxes with different settings on each. It's always a work in progress....