What bass did Krist Novoselic use on Come As You Are?

Krist Novoselic used a Univox Hi-Flier bass on "Come As You Are." The Hi-Flier was a budget bass from the 1970s that became one of his signature instruments throughout Nirvana's career.

How to get Krist Novoselic's bass tone on Come As You Are?

The key is combining an Ampeg SVT amp with a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI pedal. Blend both the mic'd amp signal and the DI signal, with the SansAmp providing the slight overdrive and fuzz character that defines the tone.

What amp did Nirvana use for bass on Nevermind?

Krist Novoselic used an Ampeg SVT amplifier for the bass tracks on Nevermind, including "Come As You Are." The SVT was miked with an AKG D12 and combined with a DI signal for the final sound.

Did Krist Novoselic use pedals on Come As You Are?

Yes, Krist Novoselic used a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI on "Come As You Are." This pedal was crucial for adding the slight overdrive and fuzzy character to his bass tone on the track.

What studio was Come As You Are recorded at?

"Come As You Are" was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California with producer Butch Vig and engineer Craig Montgomery. The studio's acoustics and equipment contributed to the warm, powerful bass sound on the track.

bass guitar from "come as you are" by nirvana

come as you are

nirvana

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Tone Profile

A warm, slightly overdriven bass tone with a round low-end and a touch of fuzz. It provides a solid foundation for the song's grunge aesthetic.

Shop This Rig

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Univox Hi-Flier(instrument)
Ampeg SVT(amp)
AKG D12(microphone)
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI(processing)

The Story

Krist Novoselic recorded the bass for "Come As You Are" using a Univox Hi-Flier bass through an Ampeg SVT amplifier at Sound City Studios with Butch Vig producing. The signal was captured using both an AKG D12 microphone placed in front of the SVT cabinet and a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI, which contributed to the slightly overdriven, fuzzy character that became integral to the song's grunge sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig

Engineer: Craig Montgomery

Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA

Signal Chain

Instrument: Univox Hi-FlierShop on Reverb

Amp: Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb

Microphone: AKG D12Shop on Reverb

Processing: Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DIShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a bass guitar that has a thick, round tone. A P-bass or similar instrument would be a good choice.
Use an Ampeg SVT or similar bass amp to provide a solid low-end foundation.
Add a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI to introduce some overdrive and fuzz to the signal.
Blend the mic'd amp signal with the DI signal to achieve the desired balance of warmth and aggression.
EQ the bass to taste, focusing on the low-end and low-mids.

Original Gear

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Univox Hi-FlierShop on Reverb(guitar)
Ampeg SVTShop on Reverb(amp)
AKG D12Shop on Reverb(mic)
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DIShop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision BassShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Univox Hi-Flier bass

Provides the thick, round P-bass tone that matches the Hi-Flier's character for this grunge foundation

Ampeg SVT-CL ClassicShop on Reverb$2400-$2700

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT amplifier

Direct modern reissue of the original SVT circuit that provides the same warm, powerful low-end foundation

Ampeg SVT-VR Vintage ReissueShop on Reverb$3200-$3600

Alternative to: Ampeg SVT amplifier

Premium vintage-accurate recreation of the original 1970s SVT that Novoselic likely used

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2Shop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Updated version of the exact same pedal used on the recording, providing the signature overdrive and fuzz character

AKG D12 VRShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: AKG D12 microphone

Modern reissue of the exact vintage dynamic mic used to capture the SVT cabinet on the original recording

Sources

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bass guitar from “come as you are” by nirvana | ToneDB