Big Drum Records Logo
New here? Start with the basics
Advanced
18 min

Resampling and Warping Bass

The Reese bass is a jungle and garage staple. Learn to create that classic detuned, phasing bass sound that dominated the 90s and remains essential today.

Video Coming Soon

What is the Reese Bass?

The Reese bass, named after Kevin Saunderson's track "Just Want Another Chance" (released under his Reese Project alias), is characterized by its thick, detuned, phasing sound. It's created by layering slightly detuned oscillators that create beating frequencies and movement.

Creating the Classic Reese

The foundation of any Reese bass is two or more oscillators detuned against each other:

Basic Reese Recipe

  1. Start with two sawtooth oscillators
  2. Detune one oscillator by +7 to +15 cents
  3. Detune the other by -7 to -15 cents
  4. Add a low-pass filter around 400-800Hz
  5. Apply subtle chorus or phaser for movement

Detuning Amounts

Detune AmountCharacterUse Case
5-10 centsSubtle, warmMellow garage vibes
10-20 centsClassic ReeseStandard jungle/garage
20-35 centsAggressive, unstableDarker, heavier tracks

Adding Movement with Effects

The magic of the Reese is in its movement. Here's how to add life:

Movement Chain

  • Chorus: Subtle chorus adds width and wobble (mix at 10-20%)
  • Phaser: Slow phaser creates that classic sweeping effect
  • Filter LFO: Automate cutoff for tension and release
  • Saturation: Add harmonics for more presence

Resampling for Control

Once you've created your Reese, resampling gives you more control:

  1. Render your Reese bass to audio
  2. Load the audio into a sampler
  3. Map across the keyboard for playing like an instrument
  4. Apply additional processing (EQ, compression, distortion)
  5. Chop and rearrange for rhythmic patterns

Modern Reese Variations

Clean Reese

Less detune, more filtering. Good for deeper, minimal garage.

Filtered Reese

Heavy low-pass with resonance. Classic jungle sound.

Distorted Reese

Add saturation/distortion for aggressive modern sound.

Wavetable Reese

Use wavetable synths for evolving, complex timbres.

Summary

The Reese bass is all about controlled chaos - detuned oscillators creating natural movement and phase cancellation. Start with the classic recipe, experiment with detune amounts, add movement with effects, and consider resampling for even more control. This technique is foundational for jungle, drum & bass, and UK garage production.

Devil's Advocate

Advanced thinking for experienced producers

"Is the Reese bass overused? Should you avoid it?"

The Reese is so iconic that it can feel like a crutch. But that's like saying basslines are overused. The key is making it your own.

Alternative Workflows to Try

  • 1.Create your own detuned bass sounds from scratch with different waveforms
  • 2.Use formant-shifting or granular synthesis for unique bass textures
  • 3.Layer acoustic bass samples with synth for organic-electronic hybrid

Critical Thinking Traps

Trap: "More detune = better bass"

Reality: Excessive detune sounds messy. Subtlety is power.

Trap: "Reese only works for dark tracks"

Reality: Filtered, clean Reese works beautifully in deep, soulful garage.

Trap: "You need expensive plugins"

Reality: Any synth with two oscillators can create a Reese.

Lesson Downloads

Reese Bass Preset Pack

10 Reese presets for Serum & Vital

Resampled Bass Loops

Pre-made Reese patterns at various BPMs

What You'll Learn

  • 1
    Creating the classic detuned Reese
  • 2
    Adding movement with chorus and phaser
  • 3
    Automating filter cutoff for tension
  • 4
    Modern Reese variations

Continue Learning

Sub Bass ProcessingBass Processing and Effects