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Distorted Tone
Black Hole Sun
Soundgarden
Bassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassFender Jazz Bass (likely 1970s, Ben Shepherd's main studio bass for Superunknown era)
AmpAmpeg SVT (classic tube head, likely with 8x10 cab, studio standard for 1990s grunge/rock)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1993-1994 (Superunknown sessions); Ben Shepherd is credited with Jazz Bass and Ampeg SVT in multiple interviews and gear rundowns for this era.
Tone Character(10)
gritty overdrivemidrange growlpunchy attackfull-bodied lowsslightly compressedclear note definitionamp-driven distortionnot overly scoopedpresent in the mixclassic grunge/alt rock bass
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight control of dynamics and articulation to cut through the mix with overdrive. Drop D tuning and maintaining clarity with a gritty tone add moderate challenge.
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Create Free AccountBassrock1990s
Original Gear
BassFender Jazz Bass (likely 1970s, Ben Shepherd's main studio bass for Superunknown era)
AmpAmpeg SVT (classic tube head, likely with 8x10 cab, studio standard for 1990s grunge/rock)
Amp Settings
gain6
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1993-1994 (Superunknown sessions); Ben Shepherd is credited with Jazz Bass and Ampeg SVT in multiple interviews and gear rundowns for this era.
Tone Character(10)
gritty overdrivemidrange growlpunchy attackfull-bodied lowsslightly compressedclear note definitionamp-driven distortionnot overly scoopedpresent in the mixclassic grunge/alt rock bass
Difficulty
The part is rhythmically straightforward but requires tight control of dynamics and articulation to cut through the mix with overdrive. Drop D tuning and maintaining clarity with a gritty tone add moderate challenge.