basstech Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 There must be a total of 3 bass pedals that sound good to my ears - the rest sound .......well, crap - and yet I keep seeing 'em held in high esteem by some people.....(Big Muff springs to mind)..... Surely if you've got a good basic rig, a preamp, chorus and compressor that's all you need?? Am I missing something or is it just clever marketing by manufacturers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 (edited) Think a lot of people over use the effect... too much effect. You only need a little. My pedal board is mostly based around synth sounds which work really well but you have to take time getting the balance between the effected signal and bass for it to really work. Edited May 16, 2012 by crez5150 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EskimoBassist Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Hmmmmm ermmm not sure how to approach this one. I am a bit of an effects fan so we're at a bit of an impass! Which effects do you not like on Bass specifically? There are very few that I don't like on bass, but they've got to be used tastefully for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basstech Posted May 16, 2012 Author Share Posted May 16, 2012 I've heard some real abortions recently - all involved 'bass synths'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='basstech' timestamp='1337197720' post='1657105'] I've heard some real abortions recently - all involved 'bass synths'. [/quote] The trick is to have a high input gain (or a Status with 18v pre ) to adequately drive the synth. This is where most people fall down and end up with bad tracking problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basstech Posted May 16, 2012 Author Share Posted May 16, 2012 I trust you crez - sounds like you know how to use 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Looking at your signature, you've got more fx than me.... For I have none. I still can't even find a suitable OD. The Ampeg SVP-Pro sounds nice, but the OD isn't switchable. And it softens the bass end of things too much, Why does no-one make a tap-tempo chorus? Surely that'd get rid of the nasty out-of-time wobbles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1337197908' post='1657110'] The trick is to have a high input gain (or a Status with 18v pre ) to adequately drive the synth. This is where most people fall down and end up with bad tracking problems. [/quote] Funny you should mention that. My Streamline does sound better with effects than most. My Vigier seems to ignore effects altogether. I reckon it's to do with the low impedance output of the (on-board) pre-amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1337198211' post='1657121'] Funny you should mention that. My Streamline does sound better with effects than most. My Vigier seems to ignore effects altogether. I reckon it's to do with the low impedance output of the (on-board) pre-amp. [/quote] I had the same issue with my old Warwick Thumb.... didn't drive enough, just seem to hit a brick wall with it and no more push Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basstech Posted May 16, 2012 Author Share Posted May 16, 2012 I've sold the compressor and octave ....must update signature.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 I use LOTS of effects - This has been discussed so many times that I'm sure it will end up being the same discussion again. It really depends on what you look for in a sound - one man loves a certain fuzz sound and another man may hate it. The sounds you think are nasty may be sounds we love. But also it depends on the music you play. Many bassists don't need them and the music has little space for them. I don't use a clean bass sound anywhere in my set... horses for courses. [quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1337198060' post='1657115'] Why does no-one make a tap-tempo chorus? Surely that'd get rid of the nasty out-of-time wobbles. [/quote] Moog Cluster Flux Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0175westwood29 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 well said shep. yeh its each to your own, i can't think of an effect i dnt like! just some i think are more fun or usefull. its all down to preference. i dnt like the big muff either but i do love my way huge swollen pickle? still a fuzz but a different flavor. andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [i]all i have is a DHA VT-2 Eq pre amp, markbass compressore, boss TU-3 tuner and a dodgy 80s analogue pearl flanger, quite enough for 60's/70's cover band![/i] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 (edited) Alot of people dont realise fuzz / distortion / OD boxes were originally designed to push valve amps further into distortion - driving my VT Bass pedal with a Rat gives a growl like a huge distorted monster, but if I switch out the VT then the Rat by itsself gives a thin, weedy kind of sound. Its a cascaded gain stage kinda thing. Edited May 16, 2012 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1337199107' post='1657133'] I use LOTS of effects - This has been discussed so many times that I'm sure it will end up being the same discussion again. It really depends on what you look for in a sound - one man loves a certain fuzz sound and another man may hate it. The sounds you think are nasty may be sounds we love. But also it depends on the music you play. Many bassists don't need them and the music has little space for them. I don't use a clean bass sound anywhere in my set... horses for courses. [/quote] All of this. Also, some gear, just isn't compatible with certain basses, amps, effects, or even playing styles! I've used some effects that I really love the sound of, but as soon as I got my hands on them it sounded like pure arse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='Mikey R' timestamp='1337201888' post='1657180'] Its a cascaded gain stage kinda thing. [/quote] it's the only way to fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1337198060' post='1657115'] Looking at your signature, you've got more fx than me.... For I have none. I still can't even find a suitable OD. The Ampeg SVP-Pro sounds nice, but the OD isn't switchable. And it softens the bass end of things too much, Why does no-one make a tap-tempo chorus? Surely that'd get rid of the nasty out-of-time wobbles. [/quote] tried the caitlinbread sft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbass4k Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 [quote name='basstech' timestamp='1337197172' post='1657090'] There must be a total of 3 bass pedals that sound good to my ears - the rest sound .......well, crap - and yet I keep seeing 'em held in high esteem by some people.....(Big Muff springs to mind)..... Surely if you've got a good basic rig, a preamp, chorus and compressor that's all you need?? Am I missing something or is it just clever marketing by manufacturers? [/quote] [sigh] It's a matter of subjective test and the music you're playing. Take away Justin Chancellors pedals and Tool won't sound like Tool anymore, he needs the sounds the pedals create to play the music that they play. You obviously don't think those kinds of sounds are good and don't play music that requires them. That's fine, for the vast majority of musical styles and bassists, bass > cable> amp is the sound they need and want. But please don't assume that you're right and those of us who use pedals are wrong. There is no right and wrong here, just subjective taste. [/sigh over] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 is this thread mainly about OD pedals? I've tried loads of different dirt boxes, most of which I've moved on because they just didn't float my boat. There are some instances where only an effect will do - fretless and an octaver, Jazz bass and envelope filter - it's all about context. ..and loads of effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lxxwj Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 [quote name='basstech' timestamp='1337197172' post='1657090'] There must be a total of 3 bass pedals that sound good to my ears - the rest sound .......well, crap - and yet I keep seeing 'em held in high esteem by some people.....(Big Muff springs to mind)..... Surely if you've got a good basic rig, a preamp, chorus and compressor that's all you need?? Am I missing something or is it just clever marketing by manufacturers? [/quote] What did you just say?! Plus, bass synths sound cool. You're going to have to provide specific examples here, because the synths I've heard sound amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 (edited) Bass effects nearly always sound better in a band context. Especially fuzz! Truckstop edit: And it depends on how effective your rig is at reproducing the sound for you. Through earphones, the effects of my ME20 sound weak; playing live with my full rig on 11, they sound immense! Edited May 17, 2012 by Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 BDI-21... and always on the same setting. That's it. Whether you think it's an 'effect' or not, I don't know..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1337215563' post='1657370'] BDI-21... and always on the same setting. That's it. Whether you think it's an 'effect' or not, I don't know..? [/quote] Another example of a stomp box shaped tone device. Subtle but in combination with others is where the arts at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsfreddy2003 Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 Agreed. I found that with the Deep Impact it sounds great at home but in a band setting loses a bit of the bottom end but by using a Boss LS2 I just dial in some dry signal and hey preso great synth sound with plenty of bass. Not having the problem with input signal it works just as well with my passive jazz as it does with the GB Rumour which has a really hot output. Back to the OP there are loads of great pedals you just have to find the ones you like and more importantly where you can use them to make the song better or different. [quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1337197434' post='1657095'] Think a lot of people over use the effect... too much effect. You only need a little. My pedal board is mostly based around synth sounds which work really well but you have to take time getting the balance between the effected signal and bass for it to really work. [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted May 17, 2012 Share Posted May 17, 2012 (edited) If you play in a trad rock, indie or similar type of band then you might find that a little chorus is the only effect needed (as any other effects might stop you sounding like a trad rock or indie band ). If you're wanting your band to sound different or if you play another type of music (such as House, HipHop, Dubstep, Electro or Folk), then effects are a great starting point to tailor your band's sound. I went for decades with just Bass > Amp, then @ 6 years ago I got a multi fx unit (a good starting point to find out what fx you'll use). Now have a small pedal board that gives me "My" sound. No synth pedals on it, but I can sound very synth like. [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xgsjx/6711372259/"][/url] Edited to tidy up the gobbledygook that appeared. Edited May 17, 2012 by xgsjx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.