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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 39 |
I want to add bass to my tracks, and I'm wondering whether I can use my guitar, with plugins, as a bass?
In the spirit of saving money (and minimalism - I live in cramped apartment), I was wondering if it would be a big disadvantage to forego buying an actual electric bass (like a Squire Jazz), and just use a guitar with effects / vst's / etc to sound like an actual bass.
Wondering how close I can get to achieving a "bass" sound with my guitar and plugins?
Or would it be much better just to buy an actual electric bass?
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621 |
Trying to fake a bass like that really sounds... fake.
You're better off using a VSTi if you can't have a real bass.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Well, first, you're in the BIAB forum so...use BIAB for your bass! Simple as that. Or, if you don't then maybe try EZ Bass https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezbass/
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Myself, I decided to go with the option to just get a bass and learn to play it .. absolutely no regrets.
Even a used bass from a reputable seller would suffice.
Because I like a small neck I got a Steinberg type bass, it may have helped or may not, just another thought on what bass to get.
I find it easier to play guitar and bass back and forth if the necks are closer in size.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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You can get a good bass sound out of a regular guitar but it depends on what other software and hardware you have.
Record a bass line on the guitar's bass strings; note play like a bass player and not a guitar player, that is very important. Note do not use any effects, just straight guitar.
Drop the recorded track down one octave and use EQ to get the sound you are seeking, instant bass.
But the best way is to buy a bass guitar. Ebay has a number of them for under $100 USD.
I used to use the guitar2bass method until I purchased a used Squire P-Bass. I use that and/or my SX Fretless bass.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Joined: Apr 2009
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As someone already pointed out.....
1. Use the Band in A Box real track bass. There's a lot of options in that respect. And it sounds good and requires very little from you.
2. Use a midi keyboard with a nice VST to get custom parts
3. Do not use a guitar to try and do bass parts. The strings are not thick enough to give you the best quality sound. Trust me... I tried this and tuning down just gives a sloppy sound.
4. Ask someone who does have a bass and is willing, to lay down the track for you.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936 |
As someone already pointed out.....
…
3. Do not use a guitar to try and do bass parts. The strings are not thick enough to give you the best quality sound. Trust me... I tried this and tuning down just gives a sloppy sound. Yea, that. I played anything with strings but Bass was my main gig for 40+ years. Bassists work. Although I could use a guitar to generate bass lines, it never worked out. Too different. My stroke crippled my left arm a long time ago. Nowadays, I generate lines from a keyboard to a VI or open my iPad and tap on the glass—live or recording. Just because I no longer play doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how. Editing the MIDI piano roll or the audio in Melodyne is easy on the rare occasions I need to do either.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Expert
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biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
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From your prior posts, it doesn't sound like you're a BiaB owner yet. So that rules out using BiaB.
I've been able to find decent basses on Craigslist for around $100 by waiting around and knowing what I wanted.
If you are a guitarist, it's not that difficult to play a full-size bass. But might consider something like the Ibanez Gio MiKro bass. It's a short scale bass that I find is fun to play, and it's a bit easier to fret if you're just starting out.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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From your prior posts, it doesn't sound like you're a BiaB owner yet. So that rules out using BiaB.
I've been able to find decent basses on Craigslist for around $100 by waiting around and knowing what I wanted. That's what I did. Guy playing with a church band had upgraded his bass and was selling his old one. I offered him $100 and he said sure. I think he was asking $125 for it but he admitted it had some wiring issues. Fixed those with a soldering iron in a few minutes
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Well I’m a bass fiddle player but often use upright RT’s. When it comes to electric bass I love the DI RT’s. Generate them direct input and use bass amp sims, mics, speakers and pedals for the sound you want on a part tune. Zillions of permutations. In the spirit of full disclosure I’m a Logic Pro X DAW user and it has more bass amp sims including mic/speaker options and pedals than you could flip through in an hour.  Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936 |
Well I’m a bass fiddle player but often use upright RT’s. When it comes to electric bass I love the DI RT’s. Generate them direct input and use bass amp sims, mics, speakers and pedals for the sound you want on a part tune. Zillions of permutations. In the spirit of full disclosure I’m a Logic Pro X DAW user and it has more bass amp sims including mic/speaker options and pedals than you could flip through in an hour. Bud I’ve made an upright sample library from my playing. I wish that I’d set out to do so before my stroke but there were enough notes from a session I did in a church to cobble it together. I’ve never heard another upright bass that sounds like me, unfortunately. I do use Jazz Bass from Fluffy Audio when I want something with clearer articulation than the dark, ensemble sound of my own playing.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Oh, that is rather nice, isn't it? I have a couple of other nice (IMHO) instruments from FluffyAudio. Another upright bass that I like is the Roots Upright Bass from Bolder Sounds, though I think it's slightly quirky to use. YMMV.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,835
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Posts: 15,835 |
Well I’m a bass fiddle player but often use upright RT’s. When it comes to electric bass I love the DI RT’s. Generate them direct input and use bass amp sims, mics, speakers and pedals for the sound you want on a part tune. Zillions of permutations. In the spirit of full disclosure I’m a Logic Pro X DAW user and it has more bass amp sims including mic/speaker options and pedals than you could flip through in an hour. Bud I’ve made an upright sample library from my playing. I wish that I’d set out to do so before my stroke but there were enough notes from a session I did in a church to cobble it together. I’ve never heard another upright bass that sounds like me, unfortunately. I do use Jazz Bass from Fluffy Audio when I want something with clearer articulation than the dark, ensemble sound of my own playing. Arthritis (which assuredly is absolutely no comparison to what you've been through) has greatly limited my playing. I've experimented around with recording scales and using them to create some of my admittedly simply walking bass lines. I use G and D nylon wrapped gut strings and A and E steel strings. Kinda got used to that sound over the years gigging and recording. Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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