Paranoid Bass Tone Settings — Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath · 1970s · metal
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Original Recording
A reconstruction of the bass tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Studio recording, 1970, Paranoid album. Geezer Butler used a Fender Precision Bass through a Marshall Super Bass 100 head into guitar cabs. No evidence of DI or pedals for this track; all distortion from amp overdrive.
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.
Effects Chain
Fender Precision Bass → Marshall Super Bass 100 (cranked for overdrive) → 4x12 guitar cabs (mic'd in studio)
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- growly midrange
- aggressive upper-mid bite
- raspy overdriven edge
- tight low end
- slightly compressed attack
- clear note separation
- classic tube amp grind
- audible string clank
- punchy and forward
Playing Technique
- fingerstyle
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
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