Any Way To Enhance Harmonics?

[Linus27]

On some of the bass lines I play, there are sections where I am playing a run or melody using harmonics. Its just single harmonic notes as the chord changes but its a nice effect to use in those parts of the song. When I first did it, the rest of the band went WOW and a few people at gigs have said that bit when you were doing that thing, it sounds really good. I am currently using a chorus pedal and playing it on a fretless. However, I'd like to try and make it even bigger, more prominent and if possible, orchestral sounding and wondering if there are any effects I could try that would create this sort of thing? I'm a effect virgin really apart from chorus and octave so open to any suggestions. 

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited March 15, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited March 15, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[BigRedX]

A good compressor, properly set up, and maybe used just when you are playing the harmonics.

 

I'd also look at your EQ settings. What's good for your general bass sound might not be allowing the harmonics to shine as much as they could.

 

 

[Lozz196]

I’ve found that harmonics seem to sound better/happen easier when I’m using something with a valve in, be it amp or preamp pedal.

[Rich]

Personally I've always found EQ to be the answer. 

[BigRedX]

22 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

I’ve found that harmonics seem to sound better/happen easier when I’m using something with a valve in, be it amp or preamp pedal.

 

That will be down to compression in the valve circuit.

[itu]

How about new SS RW strings?

[Linus27]

Thanks everyone, a compression pedal is very high on the list, possibly the next pedal I purchase.

[Stub Mandrel]

In case it's not obvious, a Jazz or other bass with a pickup near the bridge will deliver more harmonics than a P-bass.

[itu]

21 minutes ago, Linus27 said:

...a compression pedal is very high on the list, possibly the next pedal I purchase.

Then Ovnilab is your next website.

[Hellzero]

For that "orchestral" sound, you can try a shimmering effect, that will surely sound big. Not that easy to use, but worth giving it a try.

 

And don't forget a good reverb too. Strange that nobody mentioned this.

[drTStingray]

Increasing the mid range (on board on an active with 3 band of more; on the amp for passive of 2 band active - you can also increase the mid range on the latter by lowering the bass and treble controls especially if they’re full on, and dependent on bass model) usually makes harmonics ring better but I’d also second the use of a compressor - in fact I’m looking at exactly that currently - one of the reasons (but there are others) being to enhance pinched harmonics. 

[Linus27]

1 hour ago, Hellzero said:

For that "orchestral" sound, you can try a shimmering effect, that will surely sound big. Not that easy to use, but worth giving it a try.

 

And don't forget a good reverb too. Strange that nobody mentioned this.

I wondered if a Reverb would help as it would allow the note to carry further for longer and with the Chorus as well would widen the sound. 

[Linus27]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

In case it's not obvious, a Jazz or other bass with a pickup near the bridge will deliver more harmonics than a P-bass.

I am playing it on a jazz and do consciously move my hand further back towards the bridge pickup when I play them for the reason you mention.

[Marvin]

Ask Billy Sheehan 😁

 

In all seriousness, although it may not style you're looking for I imagine there's some videoes out there where he could give some important pointers. 

[visog]

Erm... choose good notes? Extensions on a chord all work well. Jaco showed us the way with those lovely 9ths and 6ths on 'Coyote'.

[Owen]

1. Soloing the bridge pickup give better clarity on harmonics.

 

2. A shimmer effect from a reverb pedal (Nunaber make a lovely one).

[Nail Soup]

Could it be as simple as a boost pedal activated for those sections?

[Downunderwonder]

A Prunes & Custard [Harmonic Generator-Intermodular ] or Discombobulator for short, might spin your wheels with the chorus on top.

Edited November 5, 2021 by Downunderwonder

[ped]

If you have an ‘enhance’ function on your amp that can help bring out the very top end, very nice on fretless. There are also ‘Harmonic Enhancer’ pedals (DOD used to do one and the Boss LMB3 too) - careful though they can add some noise but fine live  
 

That and a touch of reverb, definitely. Sometimes Chorus can take some of the beef out of the harmonics but does sound great, in the studio. 

[Linus27]

Thanks again everyone, some really helpful advice. A compressor and Reverb is certainly on the list of pedals to buy anyway. I'm liking the look of the Boss LMB3 but as Nail Soup has said, it might be something as simple as a boost pedal.

[ped]

1 minute ago, Linus27 said:

Thanks again everyone, some really helpful advice. A compressor and Reverb is certainly on the list of pedals to buy anyway. I'm liking the look of the Boss LMB3 but as Nail Soup has said, it might be something as simple as a boost pedal.

You can use the LMB3 as a boost too, and it's also a really great compressor (which does limiting really well).

[ped]

Pretty sure if you ask it nicely it'll do you some reverb and maybe make you a cup of tea, who knows?

[Linus27]

1 hour ago, ped said:

You can use the LMB3 as a boost too, and it's also a really great compressor (which does limiting really well).

 

Awesome, sounds like the pedal I need and not that expensive either