JimN wrote:On the couple of occasions where I have been able to observe Alan Jones' set-up (and setting-up) at close quarters, I remember that he uses a little amp-top "magic box" as part of his sound. I shan't say what it is, but it seems to do something similar to another little bass-player's magic box which I was recently shown.
Do you mean a pre-amp DI with active tone controls - as a floor box possibly made by an American firm starting with the letter S?
In terms of the location of pick ups, a pick up located near the end of the fingerboard will likely be very bassy - indeed on a Gibson EBO it's sometimes referred to as a mudbucker for obvious reasons. It does depend also on winding spec, electronics and all sorts as well.
Take a Fender Jazz - the bridge pick up was moved closer to the bridge marginally in the 70s - that's influences the tone from that pick up.
Much of the sound of a Precision comes from the position of the pick up and it's design (note a pre 57 with single coil sounds a little different).
Bass guitar relies more on low mid range than deep bass sound - that is where basses like the Precision and Stingray for instance are strong. Adding a treble shimmer (players may do this with a little amp drive or a drive pedal) adds bite to the sound - this is possible on active basses using the treble control - and it helps the sound to sit better in the mix and be heard.
In terms of obtaining different sounds from the same bass, plucking over the neck joint, near the bridge or anywhere else in between will have a major impact on your sound. And having whacking great 18" speakers in heavyweight cabinets will not necessarily help your sound to be heard - for that you need multiple smaller speakers to ensure the most important elements of the sound are heard (not sub bass rumble!!). It's totally the opposite principle to the 60s approach. I'm also surprised an element of Jet's bass sound wasn't DId to the recording board. Not sure how they would record and reproduce meaningfully a concrete laden large speaker cab (but I would love to hear the answer!!)