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Clean Tone
Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
Basspop1980s
Original Gear
BassYamaha BB1200 (Louis Johnson, studio recording)
AmpDirect Input (DI) blended with synths; no evidence of specific amp used for bass guitar track
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1982, Thriller sessions. Bassline is a layered blend of Louis Johnson's Yamaha BB1200 and multiple synths (Minimoog, Synclavier, etc.)
Tone Character(10)
tight, punchy attackeven, compressed dynamicsbright, articulate highscontrolled low endshort, staccato envelopepresent midrangestudio-polished clarityminimal sustainno audible distortionsits clearly in the mix
Difficulty
The line is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, consistent fingerstyle playing and precise staccato note control to match the iconic groove and studio-polished sound.
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Create Free AccountBasspop1980s
Original Gear
BassYamaha BB1200 (Louis Johnson, studio recording)
AmpDirect Input (DI) blended with synths; no evidence of specific amp used for bass guitar track
Amp Settings
gain0
bass6.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1982, Thriller sessions. Bassline is a layered blend of Louis Johnson's Yamaha BB1200 and multiple synths (Minimoog, Synclavier, etc.)
Tone Character(10)
tight, punchy attackeven, compressed dynamicsbright, articulate highscontrolled low endshort, staccato envelopepresent midrangestudio-polished clarityminimal sustainno audible distortionsits clearly in the mix
Difficulty
The line is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight, consistent fingerstyle playing and precise staccato note control to match the iconic groove and studio-polished sound.