Difference between revisions of "Bass"

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=== Straps ===
== Strings ==


----
During Showbiz, OoS tours, Chris equiped his basses with Elites 40-100 stainless steel strings.<ref>[http://board.muse.mu/showthread.php?t=959 2002 Bass Guitar Magazine Interview]</ref> He then switched to using a couple of unknown brands. After that, he moved to DR Strings at around 2006 and has been using them ever since. According to Wolstenholme, the DR Strings retain the brightness even after being played for one gig, which is why he chose them.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=627896448019156</ref> He's currently using DR MR-45 Hi-Beam roundcore 45-105 stainless steel strings. He has also been seen with the DR Neon color coated strings with the colours of the British flag during the [[London Olympic Stadium 2012 (gig)|2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony]] performance, allthough he has not actually played them live.


Chris mainly uses leather straps from Status Graphite these days, but has been seen using ones from Manson Guitar Works in the past - the same as Bellamy uses.
== Straps ==


== [[Simulation Theory (album)|Simulation Theory]] ==
Wolstenholme mainly uses leather straps from Status Graphite. Before that (BH&R and The Resistance tours) he has been using the ones from Manson Guitar Works - the same as Bellamy uses. Previously, he used a few unknown-brand leather straps.


In the studio, Chris has been seen using a [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1973_.28butterscotch_finish.2Frosewood_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|'73 Jazz Bass]], a [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|'77 Jazz Bass]] and [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass|Status basses]]. An Ampeg SVT-VR and Ashdown BTA 400 heads were also part of his studio setup. During a 2018 interview on Virgin Radio Italy, Matt mentioned Chris also used a [[Misa Kitara]] for [[Break It to Me (song)|Break It To Me]] in the studio.
== [[Will of the People (album)|Will Of The People]] ==


When speaking to John Kennedy on Radio X, he mentioned that, as opposed to previous albums being recorded with a live rig (giving them a set tone when done tracking), they've mostly recorded Simulation Theory with clean bass going straight into the console, which gave them flexibility to manipulate the sound later in the DAW.  
Despite not as much footage from the recording of the upcoming album released yet, a few of Chris's basses and other gear were spotted in the L.A. studio at which they were recording the album here and there. From a [https://www.instagram.com/p/CX6KyANuNT8/ video] posted by [[Aleks Von Korff]], touring the studio, a previously unseen pedal, the JHS 4 Wheeler Bass Fuzz, can be seen sitting next to a ZVex Woolly Mammoth on the control desk. It is unknown though, whether or not the pedal is actually going to be used in the album, or if it was just used for demo track purposes. The butterscotch 1973 Jazz Bass can also be seen sitting in the studio.
 
On the short clips of Matt and Dom talking about the Origin of Symmetry RemiXX, an Ampeg SVT-VR can be seen in the studio's live room, sitting on top of an Ampeg 4x10 cabinet, aswell as a Markbass SD 1200 head next to them.<ref>https://youtu.be/VABzIa6fjiI?t=25</ref>
 
In another [https://www.instagram.com/p/CYiXIHfrqOM/ post by Aleks Von Korff], two Dunlop Bass Wah pedals can be seen in the studio, used for [[Won't Stand Down (song)|Won't Stand Down]]. Additionally, either a pedal or a plugin version of the Geiger Counter distortion/bit crusher was used in combination with the wah, as noted on the Pro Tools session seen in the video. A few weeks later, Muse posted a TikTok video, with Chris playing WSD on his signature Status black 5-string bass, meaning it was likely used for the song, due to the drop-B tuning.<ref>https://www.tiktok.com/@muse/video/7060196209272704262</ref>
 
For live shows, he returned back to having an expression pedal for a wah on-stage, used for [[Won't Stand Down (song)|Won't Stand Down]]. Chris (and Matt) also had a smaller version of RJM Music Mastermind GT/22's on stage (the Mastermind GT/10), for the secret [[Exeter Cavern Club 2022 (gig)|Cavern Club]] gig in April of 2022, due to the size of the stage. As far as basses go, Chris added two new basses to his setup; The [[Status Stealth|Status Stealth 5-string]] and the [[Status S2-Classic 5-string|Status S2-Classic 5-string]], the latter one used as the Status Stealth replacement.
 
A large change in Chris's set up is that he has now ditched all miked cabinets, according to Muse's monitor tech, Liam Tucker. Instead, he is using Fractal Audio units for cab simulation.<ref>https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=19395&i=792822&p=28&ver=html5</ref>


=== Studio ===
=== Studio ===


[[Image:2017-12-102 Muse.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Chris recording Simulation Theory; Seen using an Ashdown BTA 400 with his '73 Fender Jazz Bass]]
==== Basses ====
 
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1973_.28butterscotch_finish.2Frosewood_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '73 Jazz Bass]]
 
==== Amps ====
 
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* [[Markbass SD 1200]]
 
==== Pedals (Off-Rack) ====
 
* Dunlop Crybaby Bass Wah
* WMD Devices Geiger Counter
* JHS 4 Wheeler Bass Fuzz<
 
=== Live ===
 
==== Basses ====
 
* [[Status The KingBass Mk-II|Status The KingBass Mk-II]] (Walnut)
* [[Status The KingBass Mk-II|Status The KingBass Mk-II]] (Graphite/Green-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Aqua Blue/White-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Chrome/TriColor-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Red-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Indigo Blue/White-LED Strips)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Stealth/White-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Aqua Blue/Blue-LED)
* [[Status S2-Classic 5-string|Status S2-Classic 5-string]] (Stealth)
* [[Status Stealth|Status Stealth 5-string]] (Graphite)
* [[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass Mk2]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Geddy_Lee_Signature_Jazz_Bass_.28satin_black.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass]] (Satin Black/Maple fretboard)
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]] (Sunburst/Maple fretboard)
 
==== On-Stage Pedalboard ====
 
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller]] (on-stage)
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller|RJM Mastermind GT/10]] (on-stage - one show only)
* Korg Pitchblack Pro Tuner
* Expression Pedal
 
== [[North American Summer Amphitheatre Tour 2017|NA Summer Amphitheatre Tour 2017]] & [[Simulation Theory (album)|Simulation Theory]] ==
[[Image:2017-12-102 Muse.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Chris recording Simulation Theory; Using an Ashdown BTA 400 with his '73 Fender Jazz Bass]]
[[Image:STRack.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Chris's rack for the NA Amphitheatre Tour & the ST Tour]]
[[File:MuseSTBass.jpg | thumb | right | 280px | Chris's bass tech with gear used on the [[Simulation Theory World Tour]]]]
 
For the 2017 North American Summer Amphitheatre Tour, Chris mostly kept the same setup as for the Drones tour. He only added two new basses: The new graphite-covered green-LED [[Status The KingBass Mk-II|Status The KingBass Mk-II]] and the [[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass Mk2|new version of the Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass]] for Madness. For the Simulation Theory tour, he also kept the setup fairly similar, but he used three new basses (including the Keyboard Bass) and switched from the Skrydstrup MR10 system to an RJM Effect Gizmo system. A couple of new stompboxes were also added, and the bulky Kemper profilers were replaced with slightly smaller rack-mount verisons.
 
In the studio, while making [[Simulation Theory (album)|Simulation Theory]], Chris has been seen using [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1973_.28butterscotch_finish.2Frosewood_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|'73 Jazz Bass]], a [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|'77 Jazz Bass]] and his [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass|Status signature basses]]. The Ampeg SVT-VR was used yet again in the studio setup, but an [[Ashdown BTA-400]] head was seen for the first time being used by Wolstenholme. According to Chris, he wanted to use more of the old Fender Jazz Bass sound due to the album having an 80s feel, as opposed to mainly using Status bass guitars, which have a more modern sound. Wolstenholme also mentioned, while speaking to John Kennedy on Radio X, that another difference, compared to recording previous albums was, that they've mostly recorded Simulation Theroy with clean bass going straight into the console, giving them the flexibility to manipulate the sound later, in the DAW.
 
=== Studio ===


==== Basses ====
==== Basses ====


*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]]
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1973_.28butterscotch_finish.2Frosewood_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '73 Jazz Bass]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1973_.28butterscotch_finish.2Frosewood_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '73 Jazz Bass]]


==== Effects ====
==== Amps ====
 
* [[Ashdown BTA-400]]
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]


===== Rack 1 =====
==== Rack 1 ====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE Power Distribution Unit
* Empirical Labs Distressor
* [[Empirical Labs Distressor]]
* Custom connector panel (Unknown)
* Custom Connector Panel
* Markbass SD1200
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Big Muff)
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Animato)
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Guitar Switcher|Skrydstrup Input Selector]]


===== Rack 2 =====
===== Rack 2 =====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE Power Distribution Unit
* [[Skrydstrup Bass Routing System]]
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Routing Interface]]
* Shure UA845 Antenna /Power Distribution
* Shure UA845 Antenna Distribution Unit
* Shure UR4D
* 2x Shure UR4D Dual Wireless Reciever
* Shure UR4D
* 2x [[Skrydstrup MR10 Loop System]]
* Skrydstrup MR10
* Skrydstrup MR10
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* FX Tray 1 (unknown)
* ''Unknown''
* FX Tray 2 (unknown)
* FX Tray 3 (unknown)
* Electrix Filter Factory


==== Amps ====
==== Amps ====


* Markbass SD1200
* [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* Ashdown BTA400
* Ashdown BTA400
Line 55: Line 115:
=== Live ===
=== Live ===


[[Image:STRack.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Chris's rack during the [[Simulation Theory World Tour]]]]
==== Basses ====
[[File:MuseSTBass.jpg | thumb | right | 280px | Chris's bass tech with gear used on the ST tour behind him]]
 
* [[Status The KingBass Mk-II|Status The KingBass Mk-II]] (Amphitheatre Tour only)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Red-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Aqua Blue/White-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Chrome/TriColor-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Indigo Blue/White-LED Strips)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Graphite/Green-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Aqua Blue/White-LED) (replaced with Stealth)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Stealth) (Blue/White-Led replacement)
* [[Status Original Series II|Status "The Uprising Bass"]]
* [[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass Mk2]]
* [[Status Keyboard Bass]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]] (Sunburst/Maple fretboard) (replaced with Geddy Lee Signature Bass)
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Geddy_Lee_Signature_Jazz_Bass_.28satin_black.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass]] (Satin Black/Maple fretboard) ('77 Jazz Bass replacement)
* [[Status S2-Classic]] (back-up)
 
==== Amps ====
 
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* 3x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
 
==== Cabs ====


During the tour, he acquired a new black/maple fretboard Fender Jazz Bass, a new Black/Stealth 5-String and a custom LED-Strip Status bass.
* 2x [[Markbass Standard 151HR 1x15 Bass Cab]]


Effects-wise, he added a Pigtronix Disnortion distortion/fuzz and the Eventide H9 Harmonizer, while the POG2, allthough not seen on pics before, has likely been on his board since the 2017 Amphitheatre Tour.
==== Rack 1 ====


He also updated the two Skrydstrup MR10 loop switchers with the RJM Effect Gizmo loop switchers.
* Power Conditioner Unit (''Unknown'')
* [[Empirical Labs Distressor]]
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* 3x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Guitar Switcher|Skrydstrup Input Selector]]


According to Chris's bass tech Jon Ashworth, the sound is based around the Markbass SD1200 heads running through the Markbass 1x15 cabinets and distortion is layered on top of that either through Kempers or through individual pedals, which are connected to RJM Switching Systems.
==== Rack 2 ====


==== Basses ====
* Power Conditioner Unit (''Unknown'')
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Routing Interface]]
* 2x Shure AD4D Dual Wireless Reciever
* 2x [[RJM Effect Gizmo]]
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]


*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
==== FX Tray 1 ====
*[[Status Original Series II|Status Custom Red Series II]]
*[[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass]]
*[[Status Keyboard Bass]]
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]]
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Geddy_Lee_Signature_Jazz_Bass_.28satin_black.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass]]
*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]]
*[[Status S2-Classic]] (Back-Up)


===== Rack 1 =====
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]]
* [[Boss OC-2]]
* [[MXR M109 Six Band EQ]]
* [[Crowther Audio Prunes and Custard]]
* ''Unknown''


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
==== FX Tray 2 ====
* Empirical Labs Distressor
 
* Markbass SD1200
* [[Pigtronix Disnortion]]
* Markbass SD1200
* [[Akai Deep Impact SB1|Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synthesiser Pedal]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black)
* [[Line 6 FM4 Filter Modeler]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black)
* ''Unknown''
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black)
 
==== FX Tray 3 ====


===== Rack 2 =====
* [[Eventide H9 Harmonizer/Effects Processor]]
* [[Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator|Electro-Harmonix POG]]
* ''Unknown''


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
==== Tuner ====
* [[Skrydstrup Bass Routing System]]
* Shure UA845 Antenna /Power Distribution
* Shure AD4D
* Shure AD4D
* RJM Effect Gizmo
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* FX Tray 1 ([[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]], MXR Six Band Graphic EQ, [[Boss OC-2|Boss OC-2 Octave]], Crowther Audio Prunes and Custard, ''Unknown'')
* FX Tray 2 (Pigtronix Disnortion, Akai Deep Impact, Line 6 FM4 Filter Modeler, ''Unknown'')
* RJM Effect Gizmo
* FX Tray 3 (Eventide H9 Harmonizer/Effects Processor, EHX POG2, ''Unknown'')


==== Cabinets ====
* Peterson AutoStrobe 490 Tuner
* TC Electronic Polytune Mini


* 2 Markbass 151 15" Cabinets
==== Control ====


==== Other ====
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller]] (off-stage)


* Panda Audio MIDI Beam (for wireless MIDI transmission for the [[Status Keyboard Bass]])
==== On-Stage Pedalboard ====


== [[North American Summer Amphitheatre Tour 2017]] ==
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller]] (on-stage)
* Korg Pitchblack Pro Tuner


=== Basses ===
==== Other ====


*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
* Panda Audio midiBeam Wireless MIDI Transmitter
*[[Status Original Series II]]
* Apple Mac Book Pro (running MainStage)
*[[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass]]
*[[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass Mk2]]
*[[Status S2-Classic]]
*[[Status The KingBass Mk-II]]


== [[Drones (album) |Drones]] ==
== [[Drones (album) |Drones]] ==
[[Image:2014-12-16 Background3.jpg|thumb|right|Drones studio bass rack]]
[[Image:CHRISDRONESSETUP.jpg|thumb|right|Drones live rack setup]]
[[File:DronesRack2.jpg|thumb|right|Another view of the Drones live rack setup]]
During the recording of Drones, Chris mainly used Status bass guitars again, allthough a Rickenbacker and the Gibsons were also spotted in the studio. Most of the time, he ran them through his Ampeg SVT-VR head for the clean channel and two Marshall DBS 7400s for distorted channels. It's also possible he used Markbass SD 1200 heads for clean occasionally. Later, for the cover of New Kind of Kick, he likely used a Gretsch Thunder Jet, seen in the video, in the studio. In terms of effects, he included a few new stompboxes. In the studio, he used a ZVex Basstortion, a Mt'Lab Fat Humster and a Pigtronix Disnortion. The latter one, he also uses live for Psycho's bridge parts.


During the recording of Drones, Chris mainly used Status bass guitars, allthough a Rickenbacker and a Gibson Grabber were also spotted in the studio. He ran them through an Ampeg SVT-VR head for the clean channel and two Marshall DBS 7400s for distorted channels. Later, for the cover of New Kind of Kick, he likely used a Gretsch Thunder Jet, seen in the video, in the studio.
As for the live setup, Chris kept his collection of rack gear and basses roughly the same as for The 2nd Law tour, with the 5-string Jazz Bass making a return for a couple of Assassin performances. The Chris Wolstenholme Status Graphite 5-String bass also made appearances for Assassin. The rack was almost exactly the same as with the T2L tours with two Kempers and two Markbass SD 1200 heads, plus the afforementioned Disnortion pedal. The only change that occured during the tour was the switch from Liquid Foot Pro MIDI foot controllers to more customisable RJM Music's Mastermind GT/22 MIDI controllers.


As for the Drones tour, Chris kept the bass setup the same as for The 2nd Law tour, with the 5-string Jazz Bass making a return for a couple of Assassin performances. The Chris Wolstenholme Status Graphite 5-String bass also made appearances for Assassin. Chris switched from Marshall to Markbass heads and Markbass cabinets for the Drones tour.  The Kemper amps, added for the tour, serve for the two distortion/fuzz channels, one for Big Muff and another one for Animato. He also included an Empirical labs Distressor.
=== Studio ===


=== Studio ===
[[Image:2014-12-16 Background3.jpg|thumb|right|Studio bass rack while recording Drones]]
==== Basses ====
==== Basses ====
*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
*[[Status Original Series II|Status Custom Red Series II]]
*[[Status S2-Classic]]
*[[Gretsch G6128B Thunder Jet]]
*[[Status Super-Vintage GP]]
*[[Gibson Grabber]]
*[[Gibson Ripper]]
*[[Rickenbacker 4001]]
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender Jazz Bass '77]]


==== Effects ====
* [[Status S2-Classic]] (Graphite)
* [[Status S2-Classic]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
* [[Status Original Series II|Status "The Uprising Bass"]]
* [[Status Super-Vintage GP]]
* [[Gibson Grabber]]
* [[Gibson Ripper]]
* [[Rickenbacker 4003]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]] (Sunburst/Maple fretboard)
* [[Gretsch G6128B Thunder Jet]]


===== Rack 1 =====
==== Amps ====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* Empirical Labs Distressor
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* Custom connector panel (Unknown)
* 2x [[Marshall DBS 7400]]
* Markbass SD1200
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Big Muff)
 
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Animato)
==== Cabs ====
 
* [[Marshall 7410 Bass Cab|Marshall 7410 4x10 Cabinet]]
* [[Marshall 7115 Bass Cab|Marshall 7115 1x15 Cabinet]]
* [[Marshall 7215 Bass Cab|Marshall 7215 2x15 Cabinet]]


===== Rack 2 =====
==== Rack 1 ====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE Power Distribution Unit
* [[Skrydstrup Bass Routing System]]
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Routing Interface]]
* Shure UA845 Antenna /Power Distribution
* Shure UA845 Antenna Distribution Unit
* Shure UR4D
* 2x Shure UR4D Dual Wireless Reciever
* Shure UR4D
* 2x [[Skrydstrup MR10 Loop System]]
* Skrydstrup MR10
* Skrydstrup MR10
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* FX Tray 1 (unknown)
* [[Electrix Filter Factory]]
* FX Tray 2 (unknown)
* 2x Paul Lenders Muse AC-Tool Power Supply Unit
* FX Tray 3 (unknown)
 
* Electrix Filter Factory
==== Rack 2 ====
 
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE Power Distribution Unit
* [[Empirical Labs Distressor]]
* Custom Connector Panel
* [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
 
==== FX Tray 1 ====
 
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]] (''perhaps'')
* [[ZVex Basstortion]] (''perhaps'')
* [[ZVex Woolly Mammoth]] (''perhaps'')
* ''Unknown''
 
==== FX Tray 2 ====
 
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]] (''perhaps'')
* [[Boss OC-2]] (''perhaps'')
* [[Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard]]
* [[Pigtronix Disnortion]] (''perhaps'')
* ''Unknown''
 
==== FX Tray 3 ====
 
* [[Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator|Electro-Harmonix POG]] (''perhaps'')
* ''Unknown''
 
==== Control ====


===== Amps =====
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]] (Early)
* Ampeg SVT-VR
* [[Mastermind GT 22 MIDI Controller]]
* Markbass SD1200


=== Live ===
=== Live ===
Line 173: Line 281:
==== Basses ====
==== Basses ====


*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_American_Deluxe_5-string_.28black.2Fmaple_fretboard.29|Fender American Deluxe 5-String]]  
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
*[[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender Jazz Bass '77]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Red-LED)
*[[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Aqua Blue/White-LED)
*[[Status Original Series II|Status Custom Red Series II]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Chrome/TriColor-LED)
*[[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Stealth/White-LED)
*[[Status S2-Classic]]
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass 5-string]] (Aqua Blue/Blue-LED)
*[[Status The KingBass Mk-II]]
* [[Status Original Series II|Status "The Uprising Bass"]]
* [[Status The KingBass Mk-II]] (Walnut)
* [[Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass|Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass Mk1]]
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]] (Sunburst/Maple fretboard)
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_American_Deluxe_5-string_.28black.2Fmaple_fretboard.29|Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass 5-string]] (Black/Maple fretboard)


==== Effects (Tour - off-stage) ====
==== Amps ====


[[Image:CHRISDRONESSETUP.jpg|thumb|right|Live off-stage rack setup]]
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]


===== Rack 1 =====
==== Cabs ====
 
* 2x [[Markbass Standard 151HR 1x15 Bass Cab]]
 
==== Rack 1 ====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X
* [[Skrydstrup Custom Routing Interface]]
* Custom connector panel (unknown)
* Shure UA845 Antenna Distribution Unit
* Markbass SD1200
* 2x Shure UR4D Dual Wireless Reciever
* Markbass SD1200 (backup)
* 2x [[Skrydstrup MR10 Loop System]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Big Muff)
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
* [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] (black) (Animato)
* [[Electrix Filter Factory]]
* 2x Paul Lenders Muse AC-Tool Power Supply Unit


===== Rack 2 =====
==== Rack 2 ====


* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* ETA Systems EPD11 LVIEC-CE
* [[Skrydstrup Bass Routing System]]
* [[Empirical Labs Distressor]]
* Shure UA845 Antenna /Power Distribution
* Custom Connector Panel
* Shure UR4D
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* Shure UR4D
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* Skrydstrup MR10
 
* Skrydstrup MR10
==== FX Tray 1 ====
* [[TC Electronic G-Major 2]]
 
* FX Tray 1 (MXR Six Band Graphic EQ, [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]], ''Unknown'')
* [[MXR M109 Six Band EQ]]
* FX Tray 2 (Digitech Bass Synth Wah, ''Unknown'')
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]]
* FX Tray 3 (''Unknown'')
* [[Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard]]
* Electrix Filter Factory
* ''Unknown''
 
==== FX Tray 2 ====
 
* [[Digitech Bass Synth Wah]]
* ''Unknown''
 
==== FX Tray 3 ====
 
* [[Human Gear Animato|Human Gear Animato Distortion]]
 
==== Tuner ====
 
* Peterson AutoStrobe 490 Tuner
 
==== Control ====


==== Cabinets ====
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]] (off-stage) (early)
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller]] (off-stage)


* 2x Markbass 115HR
==== On-Stage Pedalboard ====
 
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]] (on-stage) (early)
* [[RJM Mastermind GT/22 Foot Controller]] (on-stage)
* Korg Pitchblack Pro Tuner


== [[The 2nd Law (album) |The 2nd Law]] ==
== [[The 2nd Law (album) |The 2nd Law]] ==
Line 218: Line 356:
[[File:Chris' bass rack.jpg|thumb|right|T2L tour bass selection]]
[[File:Chris' bass rack.jpg|thumb|right|T2L tour bass selection]]
[[File:RackT2LLive.jpg|thumb|right|T2L tour rack]]
[[File:RackT2LLive.jpg|thumb|right|T2L tour rack]]
For The 2nd Law, Chris kept the same studio setup as he used on The Resistance tour, but included more pedals and two [[Markbass SD1200]] heads. Live, he replaced the Marshall DBS 7400 amps completely with the afforementioned SD1200s (clean channels) and two [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] heads (for overdrive channels), with the DBS 7400 amps all profiled.
For The 2nd Law, Chris kept the same studio setup as he used on The Resistance tour, but included more pedals (seen in the picture, above the racks) and two [[Markbass SD 1200]] heads. Live, he replaced the Marshall DBS 7400 amps completely with the afforementioned SD 1200s (clean channels) and two [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]] heads (for overdrive channels), with the DBS 7400 amps all profiled.


He also ditched most of the Fender Jazz Basses and started playing Status basses almost exclusively.
With Status bringing out his signature model, for live gigs, he ditched most of the Fender Jazz Basses, the Rickenbacker and the Gibson Ripper, and started playing Status basses almost exclusively.


=== Studio ===
=== Studio ===
Line 226: Line 364:
==== Basses ====
==== Basses ====


* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (prototype)
* [[Status S2-Classic#Status S2-Classic "Graphite"|Status S2-Classic]] (Graphite)
* [[Status S2-Classic#Status S2-Classic "Graphite"|Status S2-Classic]] (Graphite)
* [[Status S2-Classic]] (Graphite-LED)
* [[Status Chris Wolstenholme Signature Bass]] (Graphite/Blue-LED)
* [[Fender_Jazz_Bass#Fender_Jazz_Bass_1977_.28sunburst_finish.2Fmaple_fretboard_with_pearloid_block_inlay.29|Fender '77 Jazz Bass]] (Sunburst/Maple fretboard)
* [[Status Super-Vintage GP]]
* [[Status Super-Vintage GP]]
* [[Dean Stylist]]
* [[Dean Stylist]]
* [[Gibson Grabber]]
* [[Gibson Grabber]]
* [[Status S2-Classic]] (Walnut)


==== Amps ====
==== Amps ====
Line 236: Line 377:
* 4x [[Marshall DBS 7400]]
* 4x [[Marshall DBS 7400]]
* [[Markbass MoMark SD800]]
* [[Markbass MoMark SD800]]
* [[Markbass SD1200]]
* [[Markbass SD 1200]]
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]
* [[Ampeg SVT-VR]]


Line 290: Line 431:
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]] (''perhaps'')
* [[Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi|Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi]] (''perhaps'')
* [[Boss OC-2]] (''perhaps'')
* [[Boss OC-2]] (''perhaps'')
==== Control ====
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]]


==== Other ====
==== Other ====
Line 314: Line 459:


* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* 2x [[Kemper Profiling Amplifier]]
* 2x [[Markbass SD1200]]
* 2x [[Markbass SD 1200]]


==== Cabs ====
==== Cabs ====
Line 355: Line 500:


* ''Unknown''
* ''Unknown''
==== Tuner ====
* Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner


==== Control ====
==== Control ====
Line 364: Line 513:
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]] (on-stage)
* [[Liquid Foot Pro Foot Controller]] (on-stage)
* [[Korg DTR2000 Tuner]]
* [[Korg DTR2000 Tuner]]
==== Other ====
* Apple Mac Book Pro (running MainStage)


==[[The Resistance (album) |The Resistance]]==
==[[The Resistance (album) |The Resistance]]==
[[Image:MUSE-BASS_TECH-S.jpg|thumb|right|Rack (Offstage)]]
[[Image:ChrisAmpeg.jpg|thumb|right|Chris in the studio]]
[[Image:ChrisAmpeg.jpg|thumb|right|Ampeg SVT-VR]]
[[Image:MUSE-BASS_TECH-S.jpg|thumb|right|Bass Player Magazine - Chris' tour setup]]
For The Resistance era, Chris expanded his setup even more, especially in terms of basses rack gear. This was the first tour that Chris started using Status basses with the first one being the [[Status Original Series II]].
For The Resistance era, Chris expanded his setup even more, especially in terms of the rack gear. This was also the first tour that Chris started using Status basses with the first one being the [[Status Original Series II]]. He changed the switching systems, swapping out both the on-stage and off-stage controllers from Rocktron's All Access to FAMC's Liquid Foot Pro, and ditching the Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL, instead opting for two Skrydstrup MR10 looper units.


Both the studio and live setups were the same, excluding the bass and amp selection.  
Both the studio and live setups were the same, excluding the bass and amp selection, with an Ampeg SVT-VR head spotted in the studio.  


=== Studio ===
=== Studio ===
Line 431: Line 584:
* 2x [[Marshall 7215 Bass Cab|Marshall 7215 2x15 Cabinet]]
* 2x [[Marshall 7215 Bass Cab|Marshall 7215 2x15 Cabinet]]
* [[Marshall 7115 Bass Cab|Marshall 7115 1x15 Cabinet]]
* [[Marshall 7115 Bass Cab|Marshall 7115 1x15 Cabinet]]
=== Racks ===


==== Rack 1 ====
==== Rack 1 ====
Line 454: Line 605:
* 2x Paul Lenders Muse AC-Tool Power Supply Unit
* 2x Paul Lenders Muse AC-Tool Power Supply Unit


===== FX Tray 1 =====
==== FX Tray 1 ====


* [[Human Gear Animato|Human Gear Animato Distortion]]
* [[Human Gear Animato|Human Gear Animato Distortion]]
Line 462: Line 613:
* [[ZVex Woolly Mammoth]]
* [[ZVex Woolly Mammoth]]


===== FX Tray 2 =====
==== FX Tray 2 ====


* [[Human Gear Animato|Human Gear Animato Distortion]]
* [[Human Gear Animato|Human Gear Animato Distortion]]
Line 469: Line 620:
* [[Line 6 FM4 Filter Modeler]]
* [[Line 6 FM4 Filter Modeler]]


===== FX Tray 3 =====
==== FX Tray 3 ====
* [[Boss OC-2|Boss OC-2 Octave]]
* [[Boss OC-2|Boss OC-2 Octave]]
* [[Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron]]
* [[Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron]]
Line 475: Line 626:
* [[HBE Hematoma Bass Overdrive/Pre-Amp]]
* [[HBE Hematoma Bass Overdrive/Pre-Amp]]
* Gap with 2 disconnected patch cables, possibly for the [[Boss DD-3]]
* Gap with 2 disconnected patch cables, possibly for the [[Boss DD-3]]
==== Tuner ====
* Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner


==== Control ====
==== Control ====
Line 480: Line 635:
* [[Liquid-Foot Pro MIDI Controller]] (off-stage)
* [[Liquid-Foot Pro MIDI Controller]] (off-stage)


=== On-Stage Pedalboard ===
==== On-Stage Pedalboard ====
* [[Liquid-Foot Pro MIDI Controller]] (on-stage)
* [[Liquid-Foot Pro MIDI Controller]] (on-stage)
* [[Korg DTR2000 Tuner]]
* [[Korg DTR2000 Tuner]]
Line 486: Line 641:


== [[Black Holes and Revelations (album) |Black Holes and Revelations]] ==
== [[Black Holes and Revelations (album) |Black Holes and Revelations]] ==
[[Image:MUSE-BASS_TECH-S1.jpg|thumb|right|Board]]
[[Image:MUSE-BASS_TECH-S1.jpg|thumb|right|On-stage board]]
Not much is known about Chris' gear during the BH&R era as there were little to no pictures of his gear taken during the period, however it is known that Chris started using Fender Jazz Basses a lot more frequently. He also ditched the on-stage amps/cabs halfway through the tour, and started miking them backstage. Instead, he only opted for an on-stage subwoofer, so he could still feel the sub low end, and he also took away the MIDI foot pedal controller.
Not much is known about Chris' gear during the BH&R era as there were little to no pictures of his gear taken during the period, however it is known that Chris started using Fender Jazz Basses a lot more frequently. He also ditched the on-stage amps/cabs halfway through the tour, and started miking them backstage. Instead, he only opted for an on-stage subwoofer, so he could still feel the sub low end, and he also took away the MIDI foot pedal controller. Based on the pictures, Chris (like Matt) stayed with an All Access controller and a Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL, before upgrading.


Based on some interviews, Chris added four more Marshall DBS 7400 heads to his setup, having eight in total.<ref>https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/all-access-muse-367983</ref>
Based on some interviews, Chris added four more Marshall DBS 7400 heads to his setup, having eight in total.<ref>https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/all-access-muse-367983</ref>
Line 526: Line 681:
[[Image:chrisabsolutionpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|Pedal Board]]
[[Image:chrisabsolutionpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|Pedal Board]]
[[Image:chrisabsolutionpedalboard2.jpg|thumb|right|Pedal Board (Offstage)]]
[[Image:chrisabsolutionpedalboard2.jpg|thumb|right|Pedal Board (Offstage)]]
For the Absolution tour, Chris moved all of his pedals and amps into the rack. Both him and Matt got into MIDI switching systems, with their techs switching the effects on or off; a system, which they still use, due to the complexity of effect use on albums.
With the evolving complexity of Muse's sound, for the Absolution tour, Chris moved all of his pedals, other effects and amps into the rack. Both him and Matt got into MIDI switching systems, with their techs switching the effects on or off; A system, which they still use. Specifically, they moved to Rocktron's All Access switcher, controlling the Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL.


Wolstenholme also got two more of the Marshall DBS 7400 bass amplifiers into the rig.
Wolstenholme also got two more of the Marshall DBS 7400 bass amplifiers into the rig, meaning he could now run two amplifiers for effects (one running an Animato pedal and another one running a Big Muff pedal) and another amplifier running clean, with the fourth amplifier serving a back-up amp. In terms of effects, he added in a Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro and two Line 6 Bass POD Pro multi-effects units, two Line 6 Filter Pro rack units,  aswel as two pedals; a DigiTech Bass Synth Wah and a Boss PS-3 Pitch Shift.


=== Basses ===
=== Basses ===
Line 552: Line 707:
* 2x [[Line 6 Bass POD Pro]]
* 2x [[Line 6 Bass POD Pro]]


=== Off-Stage Pedalboard ===
=== FX Tray ===


* [[Akai Deep Impact SB1|Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synthesiser Pedal]]
* [[Akai Deep Impact SB1|Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synthesiser Pedal]]
Line 559: Line 714:
* [[Boss DD-3|Boss DD-3 Digital Delay]]
* [[Boss DD-3|Boss DD-3 Digital Delay]]
* [[Boss OC-2|Boss OC-2 Octaver]]
* [[Boss OC-2|Boss OC-2 Octaver]]
* [[Boss PS-3|Boss PS-3 Pitch Shift Pedal]]
* [[Boss PS-3|Boss PS-3 Pitch Shift]]
* [[Digitech Bass Synth Wah]]
* [[Digitech Bass Synth Wah]]


Line 580: Line 735:
[[Image:chrisoriginamps.jpg|thumb|right|OoS Amps]]
[[Image:chrisoriginamps.jpg|thumb|right|OoS Amps]]
[[Image:chrisoriginpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|OoS Pedalboard]]
[[Image:chrisoriginpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|OoS Pedalboard]]
During the OoS tour, Chris got his Marshall DBS 7400 Dynamic Bass System amplifiers and cabinets. He also got a Black Russian Big Muff Pi and a Human Gear Animato pedal, aswell as an Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synth pedal. A lot of the gear he acquired during this era remains in his setup to this day.
During the OoS tour, Chris got his Marshall DBS 7400 Dynamic Bass System amplifiers and cabinets. He also got a Black Russian Big Muff Pi and a Human Gear Animato pedal, aswell as an Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synth pedal. The combination of these two pedals remain part of his staple sound to this day.


=== Basses ===
=== Basses ===
Line 597: Line 752:
* Rack Drawer w/ Marshall Sticker
* Rack Drawer w/ Marshall Sticker


=== Cabinets ===
=== Cabs ===


* [[Marshall 7410 Bass Cab|Marshall 7410 4x10 Cabinet]]
* [[Marshall 7410 Bass Cab|Marshall 7410 4x10 Cabinet]]
Line 619: Line 774:
[[Image:chrisshowbizpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|Showbiz pedalboard]]
[[Image:chrisshowbizpedalboard.jpg|thumb|right|Showbiz pedalboard]]
Allthough amplifiers and basses remained the same, Chris used two effects setups during the Showbiz era; On some early gigs, he only used the Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion, plugged into the Pete Cornish Line Selector and running into the amps.
Allthough amplifiers and basses remained the same, Chris used two effects setups during the Showbiz era; On some early gigs, he only used the Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion, plugged into the Pete Cornish Line Selector and running into the amps.
Wolstenholme equiped his basses with Elites 40-100 stainless steel strings.<ref>[http://board.muse.mu/showthread.php?t=959 2002 Bass Guitar Magazine Interview]</ref>


=== Basses ===
=== Basses ===

Latest revision as of 05:45, 5 June 2023

Strings

During Showbiz, OoS tours, Chris equiped his basses with Elites 40-100 stainless steel strings.[1] He then switched to using a couple of unknown brands. After that, he moved to DR Strings at around 2006 and has been using them ever since. According to Wolstenholme, the DR Strings retain the brightness even after being played for one gig, which is why he chose them.[2] He's currently using DR MR-45 Hi-Beam roundcore 45-105 stainless steel strings. He has also been seen with the DR Neon color coated strings with the colours of the British flag during the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony performance, allthough he has not actually played them live.

Straps

Wolstenholme mainly uses leather straps from Status Graphite. Before that (BH&R and The Resistance tours) he has been using the ones from Manson Guitar Works - the same as Bellamy uses. Previously, he used a few unknown-brand leather straps.

Will Of The People

Despite not as much footage from the recording of the upcoming album released yet, a few of Chris's basses and other gear were spotted in the L.A. studio at which they were recording the album here and there. From a video posted by Aleks Von Korff, touring the studio, a previously unseen pedal, the JHS 4 Wheeler Bass Fuzz, can be seen sitting next to a ZVex Woolly Mammoth on the control desk. It is unknown though, whether or not the pedal is actually going to be used in the album, or if it was just used for demo track purposes. The butterscotch 1973 Jazz Bass can also be seen sitting in the studio.

On the short clips of Matt and Dom talking about the Origin of Symmetry RemiXX, an Ampeg SVT-VR can be seen in the studio's live room, sitting on top of an Ampeg 4x10 cabinet, aswell as a Markbass SD 1200 head next to them.[3]

In another post by Aleks Von Korff, two Dunlop Bass Wah pedals can be seen in the studio, used for Won't Stand Down. Additionally, either a pedal or a plugin version of the Geiger Counter distortion/bit crusher was used in combination with the wah, as noted on the Pro Tools session seen in the video. A few weeks later, Muse posted a TikTok video, with Chris playing WSD on his signature Status black 5-string bass, meaning it was likely used for the song, due to the drop-B tuning.[4]

For live shows, he returned back to having an expression pedal for a wah on-stage, used for Won't Stand Down. Chris (and Matt) also had a smaller version of RJM Music Mastermind GT/22's on stage (the Mastermind GT/10), for the secret Cavern Club gig in April of 2022, due to the size of the stage. As far as basses go, Chris added two new basses to his setup; The Status Stealth 5-string and the Status S2-Classic 5-string, the latter one used as the Status Stealth replacement.

A large change in Chris's set up is that he has now ditched all miked cabinets, according to Muse's monitor tech, Liam Tucker. Instead, he is using Fractal Audio units for cab simulation.[5]

Studio

Basses

Amps

Pedals (Off-Rack)

  • Dunlop Crybaby Bass Wah
  • WMD Devices Geiger Counter
  • JHS 4 Wheeler Bass Fuzz<

Live

Basses

On-Stage Pedalboard

NA Summer Amphitheatre Tour 2017 & Simulation Theory

Chris recording Simulation Theory; Using an Ashdown BTA 400 with his '73 Fender Jazz Bass
Chris's rack for the NA Amphitheatre Tour & the ST Tour
Chris's bass tech with gear used on the Simulation Theory World Tour

For the 2017 North American Summer Amphitheatre Tour, Chris mostly kept the same setup as for the Drones tour. He only added two new basses: The new graphite-covered green-LED Status The KingBass Mk-II and the new version of the Status Kitara Doubleneck Bass for Madness. For the Simulation Theory tour, he also kept the setup fairly similar, but he used three new basses (including the Keyboard Bass) and switched from the Skrydstrup MR10 system to an RJM Effect Gizmo system. A couple of new stompboxes were also added, and the bulky Kemper profilers were replaced with slightly smaller rack-mount verisons.

In the studio, while making Simulation Theory, Chris has been seen using '73 Jazz Bass, a '77 Jazz Bass and his Status signature basses. The Ampeg SVT-VR was used yet again in the studio setup, but an Ashdown BTA-400 head was seen for the first time being used by Wolstenholme. According to Chris, he wanted to use more of the old Fender Jazz Bass sound due to the album having an 80s feel, as opposed to mainly using Status bass guitars, which have a more modern sound. Wolstenholme also mentioned, while speaking to John Kennedy on Radio X, that another difference, compared to recording previous albums was, that they've mostly recorded Simulation Theroy with clean bass going straight into the console, giving them the flexibility to manipulate the sound later, in the DAW.

Studio

Basses

Amps

Rack 1

Rack 2

Amps

Live

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

Tuner

  • Peterson AutoStrobe 490 Tuner
  • TC Electronic Polytune Mini

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

Other

  • Panda Audio midiBeam Wireless MIDI Transmitter
  • Apple Mac Book Pro (running MainStage)

Drones

Drones studio bass rack
Drones live rack setup
Another view of the Drones live rack setup

During the recording of Drones, Chris mainly used Status bass guitars again, allthough a Rickenbacker and the Gibsons were also spotted in the studio. Most of the time, he ran them through his Ampeg SVT-VR head for the clean channel and two Marshall DBS 7400s for distorted channels. It's also possible he used Markbass SD 1200 heads for clean occasionally. Later, for the cover of New Kind of Kick, he likely used a Gretsch Thunder Jet, seen in the video, in the studio. In terms of effects, he included a few new stompboxes. In the studio, he used a ZVex Basstortion, a Mt'Lab Fat Humster and a Pigtronix Disnortion. The latter one, he also uses live for Psycho's bridge parts.

As for the live setup, Chris kept his collection of rack gear and basses roughly the same as for The 2nd Law tour, with the 5-string Jazz Bass making a return for a couple of Assassin performances. The Chris Wolstenholme Status Graphite 5-String bass also made appearances for Assassin. The rack was almost exactly the same as with the T2L tours with two Kempers and two Markbass SD 1200 heads, plus the afforementioned Disnortion pedal. The only change that occured during the tour was the switch from Liquid Foot Pro MIDI foot controllers to more customisable RJM Music's Mastermind GT/22 MIDI controllers.

Studio

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

Control

Live

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

Tuner

  • Peterson AutoStrobe 490 Tuner

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

The 2nd Law

T2L studio set-up
T2L tour bass selection
T2L tour rack

For The 2nd Law, Chris kept the same studio setup as he used on The Resistance tour, but included more pedals (seen in the picture, above the racks) and two Markbass SD 1200 heads. Live, he replaced the Marshall DBS 7400 amps completely with the afforementioned SD 1200s (clean channels) and two Kemper Profiling Amplifier heads (for overdrive channels), with the DBS 7400 amps all profiled.

With Status bringing out his signature model, for live gigs, he ditched most of the Fender Jazz Basses, the Rickenbacker and the Gibson Ripper, and started playing Status basses almost exclusively.

Studio

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1 (Rack-Top)

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

FX Tray 4

Control

Other

  • A Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box

Live

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

  • Unknown

Tuner

  • Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

Other

  • Apple Mac Book Pro (running MainStage)

The Resistance

Chris in the studio
Bass Player Magazine - Chris' tour setup

For The Resistance era, Chris expanded his setup even more, especially in terms of the rack gear. This was also the first tour that Chris started using Status basses with the first one being the Status Original Series II. He changed the switching systems, swapping out both the on-stage and off-stage controllers from Rocktron's All Access to FAMC's Liquid Foot Pro, and ditching the Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL, instead opting for two Skrydstrup MR10 looper units.

Both the studio and live setups were the same, excluding the bass and amp selection, with an Ampeg SVT-VR head spotted in the studio.

Studio

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Live

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Rack 1

Rack 2

FX Tray 1

FX Tray 2

FX Tray 3

Tuner

  • Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

Black Holes and Revelations

On-stage board

Not much is known about Chris' gear during the BH&R era as there were little to no pictures of his gear taken during the period, however it is known that Chris started using Fender Jazz Basses a lot more frequently. He also ditched the on-stage amps/cabs halfway through the tour, and started miking them backstage. Instead, he only opted for an on-stage subwoofer, so he could still feel the sub low end, and he also took away the MIDI foot pedal controller. Based on the pictures, Chris (like Matt) stayed with an All Access controller and a Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL, before upgrading.

Based on some interviews, Chris added four more Marshall DBS 7400 heads to his setup, having eight in total.[6]

Basses

Amps

Cabs

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

Absolution

Rack
Pedal Board
Pedal Board (Offstage)

With the evolving complexity of Muse's sound, for the Absolution tour, Chris moved all of his pedals, other effects and amps into the rack. Both him and Matt got into MIDI switching systems, with their techs switching the effects on or off; A system, which they still use. Specifically, they moved to Rocktron's All Access switcher, controlling the Sound Sculpture Switchblade GL.

Wolstenholme also got two more of the Marshall DBS 7400 bass amplifiers into the rig, meaning he could now run two amplifiers for effects (one running an Animato pedal and another one running a Big Muff pedal) and another amplifier running clean, with the fourth amplifier serving a back-up amp. In terms of effects, he added in a Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro and two Line 6 Bass POD Pro multi-effects units, two Line 6 Filter Pro rack units, aswel as two pedals; a DigiTech Bass Synth Wah and a Boss PS-3 Pitch Shift.

Basses

Amps/Rack (left)

Rack (right)

FX Tray

Control

On-Stage Pedalboard

Other

Origin of Symmetry

OoS Amps
OoS Pedalboard

During the OoS tour, Chris got his Marshall DBS 7400 Dynamic Bass System amplifiers and cabinets. He also got a Black Russian Big Muff Pi and a Human Gear Animato pedal, aswell as an Akai Deep Impact SB1 Bass Synth pedal. The combination of these two pedals remain part of his staple sound to this day.

Basses

Rack

Cabs

Pedalboard

Showbiz

Showbiz pedalboard

Allthough amplifiers and basses remained the same, Chris used two effects setups during the Showbiz era; On some early gigs, he only used the Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion, plugged into the Pete Cornish Line Selector and running into the amps.

Basses

Amps

Pedalboard

References

  1. ↑ 2002 Bass Guitar Magazine Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=627896448019156
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/VABzIa6fjiI?t=25
  4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@muse/video/7060196209272704262
  5. ↑ https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=19395&i=792822&p=28&ver=html5
  6. ↑ https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/all-access-muse-367983

See also

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