What can I use to make my sound "better"?

[ossie]

+ 1 for a compressor. I think it is the best bass effect and never switch mine off. Got and EBS Multicomp which is superb, really tightens up the sound. Do agree with the string comments, have tried loads but allways go back to Rotosound roundwounds (FM66's) very light but great tone and gives me a lot of control over the sound (vibrato/bends etc). Cant believe the difference in sounds of different strings. Keep experimenting, you'll get there.

[electric nate]

I'd suggest a valve overdrive of some sort, but set it so it's barely doing anything. You don't want actual crunch from it, just a little bit of warmth, life and the natural subtle compression that valves provide. I think ideal point is to set it so that you can just about tell there's overdrive there when you're digging in and playing at your absolute hardest. This will sound better with a passive pass though.

Also, you mention using both pickups - I always find that produces a kind of flat uninteresting sound. Choosing one or the other usually provides a far more articulate and characterful sound in my opinion - but just use your ears I guess, go with what sounds good to you. There's only so much people on the internet can help.

[chris_b]

The one thing that is guaranteed to make your sound better is an extension cab. I’d get one before I spend any money on effects.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='electric nate' post='1361906' date='Sep 4 2011, 04:53 PM']I'd suggest a valve overdrive of some sort, but set it so it's barely doing anything. You don't want actual crunch from it, just a little bit of warmth, life and the natural subtle compression that valves provide. I think ideal point is to set it so that you can just about tell there's overdrive there when you're digging in and playing at your absolute hardest. This will sound better with a passive pass though.[/quote]

I`ve just done that, got a DHA VT-1, and do exactly the same. Adds that little bit extra in the dynamics, but keeps my tone the same.

Gotta agree with chris_b though, another cab makes a great difference to a set-up.

Edited September 4, 2011 by Lozz196

[jonny-lad]

+1 for Doddy and Bilbo's comments about looking at your technique and working with the settings on your amp...also try different settings on your bass too - it's amazing the amount of different tones you can get from even a simple bass.

[Herbie The Rad Dorklift]

Thanks guys