10.6

532Logic Pro Instruments
Set the parameters for object1 in Sculpture
1. In Logic Pro, set Timbre to a value of 0.38, which corresponds to a rapid attack.
Timbre determines the angle of the obstacle to the string.
2. Set the Strength parameter to 0.53.
3. Set the Variation parameter to −0.69.
This defines the softer material that constitutes the fleshy part on the side of your
slapping thumb. Put more technically, Variation defines the type and degree of
reflection.
4. Choose Bound in the Object 2 Type pop-up menu to emulate the typical bright rattling
that is created when the string strikes the fingerboard.
Bound limits the antinode of the string in exactly the same way as the fingerboard on a
real electric bass.
Adjust object2 parameters in Sculpture
1. In Logic Pro, set Timbre to 0.39.
This corresponds to a fingerboard that runs almost parallel to the string.
2. Set the Strength parameter to 0.33.
Note: Try some higher values as well. You’ll see that the sound becomes softer and
softer until it’s completely dampened by the obstacle.
3. Set Variation to 0.64. Despite the overtone-rich reflection, the string can still vibrate
freely.
Note: Try some negative values—you’ll see that the reflections can no longer develop in
an unhindered fashion.
4. Set the Level knob to −3dB. The Bound obstacle has made the sound softer.
5. Notice that the sound is still too smooth for a real slap bass, so try using the BodyEQ
again. Turn on the BodyEQ, and adjust the parameters as follows:Low 0.25, Mid 0.43,
High 0.51, and drag the Mid Frequency slider to 0.59.
6. Save this sound as Slap Bass Basic#1.
Program a fretless bass sound in Logic Pro Sculpture
With the exception of shared playing techniques, the fretless bass differs from a normal
bass through its buzzing, singing sound. Because the frets on the fingerboard of a
standard bass function as a collection of mini-bridges and allow the string to vibrate in
an unobstructed fashion, the direct collision of the string antinode with the fingerboard
on a fretless bass is responsible for its typical sound. The string length on a fretless bass
is markedly shorter than the string length on an acoustic double bass. The upshot of this
is that a controlled buzzing is produced, even when a fretless bass is played with a weak
attack. This buzzing can be consistently reproduced in the high register, even on fretless
basses that have very short string lengths. The use of the comparatively soft tip of your
finger—instead of a hard, metallic fret—to divide or shorten the string also plays a role.
Program a fretless bass in Sculpture
1. In Logic Pro, load the E-Bass Fingered Basic EQ1 setting.
2. Turn off Object3. You’ll come back to it later.