Damnit, want that Thomas Miller tone.

Asgath

Standing Without Fear
Jul 20, 2004
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Arda
Soooo. I just got a new bass, a Fender Jazz bass (Mexican). Its brand new, and its sweet. Butttt, I'm trying to get my tone near to that of Miller, though I don't want to duplicate it, I'm wondering if anyone can give me any pointer on getting my soudn closer to his, I intend to upgrade the Pick-ups soon, been looking at Dimarzio DP123 J pickups, however I'm open to suggestion. Right now I'v still got the 'stock' Fender strings on, only had the bass about 4 or 5 days, haven't needed to change, but I haven't yet found a set of strings that really gives me what I want tone wise. Anyone have any idea what Miller used/uses?
 
First of all, get better pickups put in as you suggested doing. Personally, I'd go with some that will give you a warmer, punchier tone like Bartolinis. For strings, I'd go with this set I just bought. The name eludes me as of now. I'll update you on what they are. However, they're expensive but awesome. Also, try to get your action a bit closer to the strings if possible. Me personally, it helps me dig into the strings for a punchier tone. To my knowledge, Miller doesn't play with any groups anymore, thus making it more difficult to know what he preferred.

Asgath said:
Soooo. I just got a new bass, a Fender Jazz bass (Mexican). Its brand new, and its sweet. Butttt, I'm trying to get my tone near to that of Miller, though I don't want to duplicate it, I'm wondering if anyone can give me any pointer on getting my soudn closer to his, I intend to upgrade the Pick-ups soon, been looking at Dimarzio DP123 J pickups, however I'm open to suggestion. Right now I'v still got the 'stock' Fender strings on, only had the bass about 4 or 5 days, haven't needed to change, but I haven't yet found a set of strings that really gives me what I want tone wise. Anyone have any idea what Miller used/uses?
 
Progbass said:
No one even knows what bass/amp he used, so how could we know about the strings? lol

Hehe, well, I'm sure people have used strings that sound similar to his :)

Bartolini's eh? I'v heard good stuff about them mind. Very expensive though.
I look forward to learning of the type of strings you use ;)

Thanks for the help so far, I'll take everything into account.
 
I'm quite sure he did, you can hear very low bass notes quite often on his songs.
 
Keep in mind Symphony X always tune their guitars down one full step. I doubt Miller used a 5 string because I have never seen Lepond use one on live shots... MAYBE for TDWOT (the song), but I don't think so.
 
I'm pretty sure he used either a 5 or 6 string. I know this had been mentioned on numerous occasions back in the day.

And I mean just because Lepond doesn't use a 5/6 string live, doesn't mean that Thomas Miller didn't use one. The two are completely independent of each other. And it's not like Lepond couldn't comp the parts.