BadHands

There was definitely no other way around it. I spec'd up a bass design when I was 17 based on a Pedulla Rapture - I love that they're not a copy of any other design, have their own modern shape, with the fastest neck I've ever played.

As they're as rare as rockinghorse-poo, I finally got one a few months ago (I'm 30 now). In that time some of the hardware I've wanted has stopped being made, started being made again, and is on a LONG back-order list. 

The only downside is the finish I was going to aim for (Olympic white + Tortoiseshell pickguard), I now have on a P-bass, so I'm not going to make any changes until I know how I want it to look as well, as it might as well all get done around the same time. 

I'll definitely be updating you folk on the forums, though!

Hi all!

I'm looking into having a LOT of work done to a high-end bass, which will completely ruin it's value on the second-hand market, but will be absolutely perfect for me. Just wondering if anyone else has made any serious, irreversible mods to valuable equipment in the pursuit of their ideal bass? If so, I'd love to see pictures!

At the moment I don't even know what finish I'm looking for; I just don't like the one I have

12 hours ago, WinterMute said:

Ah, chorused distortion or distorted chorus... 

If you like the sound of a chorus, put it after the sans amp, if you're into tonal change that doesn't lessen the distorted edge, put it before.

Exactly how I phrase it. If you don't want your distortion "Washed" over, keep it last.

Some people prefer their modulation after their preamp, so you might prefer the sound of the chorus after the sansamp. If you use the SA for distortion, that'll give an even more intense chorus effect. It really does depend on the chorus pedal, and what your ears prefer. There is no wrong order 

Do I take it Dave doesn't have a website, then?

16 hours ago, danny-79 said:

Yeah it’s a total drop in gain, it sounds great otherwise. I’ve messaged retailer and awaiting reply, I’d be happy with a replacement unit as other than that it sounds great 

 

No not quite the sound in my head but it’s very nice sounding. I hope I’ve just got a bad unit and can see about getting it changed 

If it's not quite what you're after, I'd look elsewhere. I didn't realise until the last 12 months or so, JUST how varied chorus sounds can be. If you're happy with the sound though, at least that gives you more options in case the gain-drop is a common problem.

That's rough! Does it get the 80s sound you're after though? 

Now we're talking. Never thought about using side chain in a live context though. 

5 hours ago, 51m0n said:

For what it's worth a compressor is definitely not a good first effect candidate in my opinion.

I think you should have a license before you can buy one to prove you have an idea what to do with the bloody thing before you can walk out of the shop with it.

 

Save everyone a load of hassle that would...

You jest, but this thread kind of proves my point

6 hours ago, Cuzzie said:

trying to submerge it under false pretences is not correct

I think you're misunderstanding my stance on this.

I'm not saying it's untrue.

I'm not saying that the majority MAKES something true.

I'm not saying, "Agree to disagree?"

What I'm suggesting is that if Al hasn't changed his stance after 10 pages of analogies, stories qualifying knowledge, and being told he doesn't understand it, he's probably not going to now more people are seeing the thread and adding more, so let's discuss which amount of knobs on a compressor is best?

I see your point. In Al's defense, he has a bunch of reasons for not wanting to use them, that's just one of them - However it's the internet, and I can't see everyone suddenly starting to agree, so perhaps we should all be like Fonzie, and let this rest?

8 hours ago, 51m0n said:

regarding @Al Krow's request for compression efficacy

I think you're confusing Al's point with my eye rolling at people getting suggested compressors as their first effect. 

Just when we thought we were done with semantics..

On 16/05/2021 at 21:39, krispn said:

I was playing with my comp into my Apollo messing with some new DAW preamps and there’s that thing where the bass sound just becomes that bit more ‘professional’ like it’s already been mixed into the track when jamming along to recorded music. Obviously balancing volume counts too but with that wee push on my bass the sound just punched. I love it and f*ck the crowd! I like what my compressor does and I will gladly use it at every conceivable opportunity. If you can’t hear it/feel it/vibe it then that’s cool. 

I saw a guitar-gear-youtube guy make an interesting point about this. Words to the effect of:

"If a chef prepares his dish with $600 knives, am I going to taste the difference between that and a $20 knife? No, but if he wants to use better tools, that's his prerogative". Art is art.

It's based on a rackmount Roland unit which - among other songs - Is thought to be used for the intro guitar on Purple Rain. Apparently it's technically not actually a chorus effect in the way it gets it's sound, but it sounds like it.

Boss released it, stopped making it, and it was going for silly money on the used market. Now they've rereleased it (Above) as part of their made-in-Japan WazaCraft line.

Personally, I just like how there's so little tinkering with it. Push buttons in. Done. 

On 19/05/2021 at 10:22, danny-79 said:

@paul_5 thanks. I’ve had one in the past and might just revisit. 

@SumOne Small Clone, I’m thinking I should be looking at getting another. At the moment I’ve got the MXR Chorus Deluxe in my board (and the boss I’ve got as a spare) the cross over is a must for most things with the less is more attitude so that will stay. In short it’s full on 80s cheese chorus that I’m after for lack of better description. I’ll look into the Gemini. 

Cheers both 

If you want full on 80s cheese, you can't go wrong with the Boss Dimension C. Instantly has that metallic, 80's sound - Only downside is there's no onboard EQ/filter. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk4HXOvAaQM

I can third APC via Overland Express. Shipped a bass insured to the tune of £1500 + next day delivery for ~£50. Arrived safe and sound. 

1 minute ago, Muppet said:

Beatles. Much to the disappointment and amazement of my current band members who assume I should know every McCartney bassline created...

 

I'd better second this, actually.. I like what I've heard, but always forget to dig deeper

I'm so flipping gutted about this. Big TMV fan. Managed to meet the guy when Big Sir played in Birmingham, and he was so gracious to anyone who wanted to chat.

For me it's Led Zeppelin. Accidentally heard so many of their critics, and people going on about how they have "The greatest song in the world" that I just never got around to it. What're yours?

Kick donkey!

7 hours ago, Cuzzie said:

Granted the original was Muzz and the recent Doug

I had no idea Doug didn't originally do COP.. You know what they say about assumptions

Perhaps this thread should be put to rest. This is supposed to be a fun place to discuss our borderline obsession, not for people to be made to feel bad. 

3 hours ago, Cuzzie said:

With no effects you are ‘unlikely’ to get lost in the mix, but you can be more present.

With effects like you mention you can easily get lost, hence compression or parallel paths or both 

I guess my assumption is, if people are asking for advice on a first pedal, they're probably unlikely to BE in any mixes yet, so it's more a horses for courses deal. 

For the record, I started playing bass because of Flea, so unless it's squashed to death by an LA2A, it doesn't sound like a bass to me. I just find how polarising the subject is, interesting.