Blown Away

First stage test of the new Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue (DRRI) yesterday. Absolutely remarkable sound! Over the past few months I have played a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, a Fender Custom Vibrolux, a Mesa Boogie F50 and now the DRRI. I have found an absolutely stunning amplifier in the DRRI.

A number of players argue that the DRRI needs to be modded to sound its best. Typically the mods are focused on replacing the stock tubes and the stock speaker. The DRRI comes standard with a Jensen C-12K speaker. This 12″ speaker is a ceramic design with a vintage voicing. The DRRI also comes with 3 12AX7s, 2 12AT7s, 2 6V6s and 1 5AR4 rectifier. I originally thought that I would mod the amp but after the stage performance yesterday I am not so sure. A rare experience for me to be transported by the tone of an amplifier. In fact, I have never been transported. I was yesterday. I will think hard about whether any mods are needed for this rig.

Signal Chain

Upcoming session this week features a talented bassist with a number of interesting challenges. I usually track the beds with all players in attendance. For this session, the bassist will be tracking against pre-recorded drums, acoustic guitars and scratch vocals and keys. My primary concern, as always, is the capture of the performance and the sound. Sometimes playing against pre-recorded tracks takes the magic from the performance.

I will be looking at the chain to see if there are any tweaks to improve the technical side of capturing the instrument. I often use the following configuration: Radial DI (either active or passive depending on the instrument) – Brent Averill 1272 preamp – Pro Tools. I’ll only use compression as a last resort. Most of the bassists we work with have pretty good control over their dynamics.