Program a picked bass sound in Sculpture in MainStage

The basic bass is played with the fingers. In this example, you will simulate playing the strings with a pick, using the Pick object type. The Timbre parameter is used to adjust the relationship between the speed and intensity at which the string is struck. The Variation parameter is used to define the virtual material density, or hardness, of the pick.

If you imagine the fingers to be very soft picks, it makes sense to alter the Pick parameters so that a hard plastic pick is the outcome.

Simulate playing with a pick in Sculpture

In MainStage, load the E-Bass Fingered Basic setting.
Set the Timbre parameter of Object 1 to its maximum value of 1.00.
The attack is now stronger.
Try several different Variation settings to get a feel for the material qualities of the pick.
Note: Not all positions deliver usable results for the entire range of the instrument.
You’ll get a consistent, working setting for the two octaves above E 0 with the following parameter settings: Position 0.17 (Pickup display), Strength 1.00 (maximum), Timbre 0.90, and Variation 0.56.

When these settings are used, you’ll find that the sound has become softer and very thin. In fact, it’s somewhat reminiscent of a clavinet.

Compensate for thinning side effects with the Body EQ in Sculpture

In MainStage, activate the Body EQ and add a healthy portion of bottom end to the sound by setting the Low parameter to 0.60. Mid should be set to 0.33.
Set the High knob to −0.45 because the sound is now so bright that rolling off a few of the highs can’t hurt.
Bring the volume into line. If you adjust the Level knob to 2.5 dB, nothing should be distorting. If this isn’t the case, try reducing some more of the bottom end with the Low knob.
Save this setting as Pick Open Roundwound.

Emulate bass guitar damping in Sculpture

Playing with a pick is often combined with a damping technique that employs the ball of the thumb. The right hand, which also holds the pick, should physically lie on top of the strings at the bridge. This technique results in the sound having less overtone content but becoming more percussive and punchy at the same time. You can variably control the timbre of the sound through the angle and pressure of your hand while playing.

Object 3 is used to emulate the virtual ball of the thumb in this example. The Timbre parameter determines the kind of damping that occurs, and Variation dictates the length of the string section that is being dampened.

In MainStage, set the Object 3 type to Damp.
Set Object 3 Strength to 0.50.
Move Object 3 a little to the right in the Pickup display (to position 0.95) to

MainStage User Guide

Program a picked bass sound in Sculpture in MainStage

Simulate playing with a pick in Sculpture

Compensate for thinning side effects with the Body EQ in Sculpture

Emulate bass guitar damping in Sculpture