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Folsom Prison Blues Bass Tone Settings — Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash · 1950s · country
studio
Original Recording
A reconstruction of the bass tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Bass
Fender Precision Bass (likely 1950s, single-coil)
Pickups
Single-coil Precision pickup
Amp
Fender Bassman (tweed, late 1950s studio amp)
Pickup Position
100% neck (single-coil Precision, no blend)
Studio recording, 1955 original single; upright bass on some live versions, but electric Precision Bass on studio cut
Amp Settings
Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.
Mids5
Bass7
Gain0
Treble4
Presence3.5
compression2
Effects Chain
Fender Precision Bass → Fender Bassman amp (mic'd, no pedals or DI)
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Tone Character
- dry and percussive
- warm low end
- thumpy
- woody
- clear note definition
- no grit or drive
- upright-like attack
- balanced EQ
- no effects coloration
Playing Technique
- palm_mute