Modern Metal Bass Tone for Under $1k!

If you're diving into modern metal bass and want that crushing, overdriven sound without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re building a Nolly-inspired bass rig on a strict $1,000 budget. Whether you’re practicing at home or prepping for a full band setting, this setup delivers that signature punch, clarity, and grit—without the boutique price tag.

The Blueprint: Nolly’s Tone

Adam “Nolly” Getgood, former bassist of Periphery, revolutionized heavy bass tones with a tight, aggressive, and articulate sound. His setup often includes a Dingwall bass, Darkglass distortion, and pristine signal processing—a dream rig that can easily push past the $5K mark. But with the right gear choices, you can get remarkably close for a fraction of the cost.

Step 1: The Bass – Ibanez SR Standard ($399.99)

To capture Nolly’s signature tone, we need a bass with humbuckers and an active preamp. The Ibanez SR305E fits the bill with its PowerSpan dual-coil pickups and a 3-band EQ, allowing for precise tone shaping. The Deep Ocean Metallic finish (new for 2025) is just an added bonus.

🎸 Key Features:
✔ Active electronics for extra clarity and punch
✔ Dual humbuckers for tight low-end response
✔ Comfortable, lightweight body for fast playability

Step 2: The Drive – Darkglass B1K Overdrive ($199.99)

This is where the magic happens. The Darkglass B1K is an affordable take on the legendary Darkglass distortion, delivering that gritty, modern bite that cuts through any mix.

🎛 Dialed Settings:
✔ Everything cranked (except for the blend, which is slightly pulled back to keep some clean tone)
✔ Grunt and mid-boost activated for that aggressive punch

Step 3: The Amp – Ampeg Rocket Bass RB110 ($299.99)

At this budget, you’re likely practicing at home, so a small but mighty amp is the way to go. The Ampeg RB110 offers that classic Ampeg warmth while staying compact.

🔊 How We’re Using It:
✔ Pedal platform – distortion comes from the Darkglass pedal
✔ Balanced DI out – lets you plug into a PA for band practice
✔ 50W of solid tone for home use

How It Sounds

We tested the rig across different gain levels and even put it in a full metal mix to see how it holds up. Spoiler: it rips. If you’re into modern metal, this is an affordable yet brutal way to build your first serious bass setup.

🔥 Check out the full video to hear it in action!

Ready to Build Your Own Metal Bass Rig?

All of the gear featured in this video is available now at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your tone, we’ve got everything you need to dial in your perfect metal bass sound.

💬 What gear demos do you want to see next? Drop a comment and let us know!