Joe Pass

[dissalo]

Anyone have any recommendations on getting that Joe Pass sound? I am working with a Emp II and have a crate bass amp that might get a decent sound or small peavy or marshall.

[derek]

You know, great question. I don't think there is a "Joe Pass Sound". Joe used a wide variety of guitars thru the years, from a Fender Jazzmaster, to DA Jazzline, to an ES175, to his Ibanez. He didn't seem to care about his tone that much, because it is really all over the place.

I do not hear a consistent tone from recording to recording like say Martin, Metheny or Wes. Joe was going direct later in his career, and didn't mess with amps. While there certainly is a JP signature style, I wouldn't say there is a signature JP sound.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

What Derek wrote is true, but you can't go wrong using a ES-175 (type) guitar and either a Polytone or some other clean amp.

[daveg]

"He didn't seem to care about his tone that much, because it is really all over the place".

I'm not sure that is correct? I have video of him walking off stage because he couldn't get a decent sound.

DG

[derek]

Originally Posted by daveg

"He didn't seem to care about his tone that much, because it is really all over the place".

I'm not sure that is correct? I have video of him walking off stage because he couldn't get a decent sound.

DG

I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was, he didn't seem to care about getting a singular sound like many of us think about. I have virtually every recording he made (missing a few), and from his ensemble work with OP, to his Virtuoso series, his duets with Ella, and his ensemble work where he is fronting, there is not a consistent tone that I hear.

His playing is unmistakable, and instantly recognizable, but he seemed to be happy or at least content with a wide variety of sounds. Perhaps that communicates what I meant better.

[daveg]

Yes - I know what you mean.

Re: your "missing a few" drop me a personal message - I might be able to help?

DG