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Ventura Highway Bass Tone Settings — America
America · 1970s · rock
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 (Joe Osborn's main studio instrument, likely late 60s/early 70s model)
Pickups
Split single-coil (Precision Bass)
Amp
Ampeg B-15 Portaflex (classic studio amp of the era, highly probable for Joe Osborn in early 70s LA sessions)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup only (Precision Bass, no blend)
Studio recording, 1972, likely direct to console with possible B-15 amp blend; Joe Osborn on bass
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
Bass6
Gain0
Treble5
Presence4.5
compression4
Effects Chain
Fender Precision Bass → (possible LA-2A or 1176 studio compressor) → Ampeg B-15 (amp-mic'd) and/or direct to console
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- deep and thumpy
- smooth low end
- rounded attack
- warm vintage character
- subtle compression
- clear note definition
- slight treble presence
- no audible drive
- classic studio bass
- supportive, not aggressive
Playing Technique
- fingerstyle
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio