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Chapter 24 Sculpture 435
8 Save this sound Setting, as we’ll need it for further modifications later. Please name it
“E-Bass Fingered Basic EQ1”.
Pick Bass
Our basic bass is played with the fingers. In the following example we will simulate
playing the strings with a pick. We’ll also use the Pick Object Type for this sound. We’ll
make use of the Timbre parameter to adjust the relationship between the speed and
intensity at which the string is struck. We’ll also make use of the Variation parameter to
define the virtual material density or hardness of the pick.
If we imagine the fingers to be very soft picks, it makes sense to alter the Pick parame-
ters so that a hard plastic pick is the outcome.
To simulate playing with a pick:
1 Please load the “E-Bass Fingered Basic” Setting.
2 Set the Timbre parameter of Object 1 to its maximum value of 1.00. You’ll note that the
attack is now stronger.
3 Try several different Variation settings to get a feel for the material qualities of the pick.
Note: Not all positions will deliver usable results for the entire range of the instrument.
4 You’ll get a consistent, working setting for the two octaves above E 0 with the follo-
wing parameter settings: Position 0.17 (pickup window), Strength 1.00 (maximum),
Timbre 0.90, Variation 0.56.
When these settings are used, you’ll find that the sound has become softer and
very thin. In fact, it’s somewhat reminiscent of a clavinet.
We’ll compensate for this side effect with the Body EQ.
1 Activate the Body EQ and add a healthy portion of bottom end to the sound by set-
ting the Low parameter to 0.60. Mid should be set to 0.33.
2 Set the High dial to −0.45 as the sound is now so bright that rolling off a few of the
highs can’t hurt.
3 Now bring the volume into line. If you adjust the Level dial to 2.5 dB, nothing should be
distorting. If this isn’t the case, try reducing some more of the bottom end with the Low
dial.
4 Save this setting as “Pick Open Roundwound”.