Creating that funky Zapp BASS

[DanV]

You know the funky BASS on Zapp records,
I guess it is mainly an envelope filter triggered by a gate or something.

Anyone have special recomendations for this sound?
What is a good signal chain for this? What pedals should I look out for?

Cheers,

[DanV]

[jazzius II]

You mean the synth bass? Roger Troutman was an incredible synth player, and i think this was a big part of the sound. I have no idea what synths he used......The Alesis Andromeda could mimick all those sounds.....'cause of the fantastic envelopes and portamento on it....outstanding!

[chrisso]

I think they probably used the Mini Moog.
If you're talking about bass AND envelope filters (which I can't remember on any Zapp tracks unless it was Bootsy guesting), you're best bet is a vintage Mutron III pedal.
Bootsy probably had something custom made.

[DanV]

To my ears I'm pretty sure it is a well processed bass guitar and not a synth. If you can, check out the song doo wa ditty (blow that thing) off of Zapp II for a perfect example of the sound I want.

Thanks guys,

[spacebass]

i checked out the track and it sounds to me like the bass is going though a eltroharmonix micro bass synth doubled up with a synth bass .......the synth bass is the "zapp"

i could be wrong but that was/is a very common thing to do for that ole school funk

hope that helps

[digiman]

Roger used the Mini Moog religiously. More Bounce to the Ounce.