10.6

531Logic Pro Instruments
Program a slap bass sound in Logic Pro Sculpture
You’re actually dealing with two different articulations here. The low notes originate when
the thumb literally slaps the strings on the upper part of the fingerboard. The high notes
are produced when the strings are strongly plucked or popped with the fingers. This is
achieved by hooking a finger under the string, pulling it away from the instrument, then
allowing it to slap back onto the fingerboard. In conjunction, these articulation methods
make up the typically aggressive and overtone-rich slap bass sound.
Emulate a slap bass sound in Sculpture
1. In Logic Pro, load the E-Bass Fingered Basic EQ1 setting.
2. Turn off the BodyEQ.
3. Also turn off Object2 and Object3 for now.
Because the basic sound of a slap bass is brighter than a standard fingered bass, you
need to adjust some Material Pad settings.
4. Return the Low Keyscale parameter to its initial value by Option-clicking the small green
triangle (found below the main Resolution slider).
5. Drag the ball down a little, and the sound becomes more wiry. The ball should now be
directly above the word “Steel” on the horizontal axis.
From the models at your disposal, Strike is the most suitable for simulating a thumb
physically striking the strings from above. This model is not, however, as appropriate for
the slapped (popped) strings. It makes the most sense to choose the Pick model for this
purpose.
6. To be safe, turn the Level knob to −25dB.
7. Choose the Pick model for Object1.
8. Drag Object1 to position 0.90 in the Pickup display. This position corresponds to a
playing position above or on the fingerboard.
Note: Given its universal concept, Sculpture does not react exactly like a bass, where one
would tend to play in the middle of the string on the upper part of the fingerboard. Try
moving Object1 to this position and see how it sounds. You’ll find that the sound is a little
too smooth.