your question:

05/24/2023 Easter Bunni

How is it that your bass is more audible/perceptible on the ‘86 tape than it is on the 2020 re-recording? On the original demo I can always hear what you’re playing, every bassline is perfectly clear. But on the new recording I basically can’t tell what you’re playing at all. This isn’t a dig at you or the new record, I’m just wondering why there’s such a big difference in the bass’ presence and what, if anything, went into this choice, because everything else (drums, guitars, vocals, and obviously overall fidelity) is so much clearer on the new recording as is to be expected. It’s pretty wild that I have to go back to the ‘86 recordings to learn the bass parts!

my answer:

Wow, I don’t know what you’re listening to but I would totally disagree with this perception. But let’s face it, the original demo was recorded with two mics in a room & the drums are buried. There’s a lot less going on frequency-wise, despite the amateurish quality. I am very happy with the tone I got on the 2020 reboot; it’s distinct from the guitars by not being over-saturated, yet still has grit and it’s own place in the mix. If you’re not hearing that you might want to check your stereo, honestly. Also, the two guitars and I are essentially playing in unison the entire time, so it should be pretty clear what’s going on.