Patchbass Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 (edited) Hey guys, Now after getting my abm 500 and 410 I am now starting to get some money together again and basically I know I either want a b3k or a vintage microtubes but I really can't choose and I understand they're quite different animals but I love the sound of both and i'm not in a position to try them both out but I want a fairly tube like OD that can go from nice breakup to some nice grindy bright sounds that cut through the mix like an explosion so which one do you reckon will suit me more for a warm sound but also something that can get quite extreme and tear through the mix! Or do I just have to get one and the other later? Cheers, Patch Edited May 1, 2014 by Patchbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 I've played both. The Vintage nails tubey but isn't what I'd call bright even with the Era knob cranked. The B3K doesn't sound like tubes to me at all, more like scooped, fizzy and metallic. The Vintage has more low end than the B3K; you really need the blend on the B3K to bring it back in, whereas the VMT has plenty of lows even set to 100% wet. Basically, if you like classic tube amp sounds, go Vintage. If you like modern and aggressive, go B3K. Or save for both! If I had to choose one from the two it would be the Vintage (or Vintage Deluxe if funds allowed). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1398976579' post='2439720'] I've played both. The Vintage nails tubey but isn't what I'd call bright even with the Era knob cranked. The B3K doesn't sound like tubes to me at all, more like scooped, fizzy and metallic. The Vintage has more low end than the B3K; you really need the blend on the B3K to bring it back in, whereas the VMT has plenty of lows even set to 100% wet. Basically, if you like classic tube amp sounds, go Vintage. If you like modern and aggressive, go B3K. Or save for both! If I had to choose one from the two it would be the Vintage (or Vintage Deluxe if funds allowed). [/quote] ahh thats helpful thank you but seems like both is the only option right now and I need to narrow it down to one really I would love the sound that Nick gets on here if it helps for more of an idea http://youtu.be/WlMzuzud8U4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 yo, i live in leeds and have both pedals if you wanna come try them, but my availability is pretty slim as im about to go do a million gigs until the end of the month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='Ant' timestamp='1399041616' post='2440373'] yo, i live in leeds and have both pedals if you wanna come try them, but my availability is pretty slim as im about to go do a million gigs until the end of the month [/quote] That's very kind thanks and I don't live far away but I probably won't be able to make it over for a while anyway but thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Coffee Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1398976579' post='2439720'] I've played both. The Vintage nails tubey but isn't what I'd call bright even with the Era knob cranked. The B3K doesn't sound like tubes to me at all, more like scooped, fizzy and metallic. The Vintage has more low end than the B3K; you really need the blend on the B3K to bring it back in, whereas the VMT has plenty of lows even set to 100% wet. Basically, if you like classic tube amp sounds, go Vintage. If you like modern and aggressive, go B3K. Or save for both! If I had to choose one from the two it would be the Vintage (or Vintage Deluxe if funds allowed). [/quote] I was intending to start a topic about this and it appears I don't have to. I owned the b3k and I thought it was as you had said - fizzy and metallic. I was planning to try the b7k thinking the eq would help me sculpt the sound better but maybe not. On reading your post would I be correct in understanding that the vintage will nail tube grit spot on ? And the deluxe will add the cherry on top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I had the Vintage, very dissapointed, difficult to say why but just didn't have the wow factor that the B3K gave me. Having owned all but the Vintage Deluxe, I have stuck with the B7K [new model]. EQ vital in dialling in the right tone, its a superb pedal. Valve-type sounds can easily be achieved dialling off the treble and warming it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Coffee Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) So the b7k with the eq is doing the business for you. I don't see any other thing here for me other than to buy both and just see for myself. Sometimes I wish I hadn't bothered starting with effects and just sticking to my policy for 25yrs of good bass + good amp and dig in hard for dirt. If nothing else it was cheaper. Thanks Edited May 2, 2014 by bassman344 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Based on that video, definitely the Vintage. If you were going after a modern metal/industrial sound, kinda grindy like Tool or Karnivool, then B3K/B7K all way. If you wanted one pedal for both sounds then B7K or VMT Deluxe have cross over due to the extra EQ. But they cost almost as much getting both the standard pedals! The VMT is the closest pedal to tube power amp distortion I've ever tried, and I've tried a lot. Also, it doesn't fart out on the low notes with a hot bass like so many others do. The Era knob gives a bit of tonal variation, mellower to the left and more aggressive to the right, but it sounds a bit too dark through my Orange Terror Bass, which is itself a really dark sounding amp. Sounds amazing through a brighter amp though, but if you happen to be an OTB user, you'll want the VMT Deluxe or a separate EQ pedal. I recently borrowed this VMT from someone and liked it so much I've just forked out for a VMT Deluxe! I've been through so many drive pedals lately, but for now my overdrive GAS is well and truly satisfied, at least until the forthcoming Wampler bass overdrive comes out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Coffee Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Mmmmm Many differences in opinion, but none of them are wrong. I'm kinda resigned to having to buy both. Will probably go vintage first as I've tried the b3k already. Thanks for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 Thanks so much for the replies guys! I think I'm starting to lean towards the vintage now or if I can do it the vintage deluxe but I wonder if the extra features are worth the money for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) Unless money is a real issue, I wouldn't get a B3K or a VMT. The EQ makes such a difference; to my ears the B7K set flat is not a great sound, and that is the stock B3K sound. The lack of a traditional tone control or any kind of EQ on the B3k/VMT is a real limitation. I am tempted to give the VMT sound another go by trying the Deluxe, as I can imagine some of the issues I had with the VMT may be resolved by this (I don't tend to touch my amps eq). Edited May 2, 2014 by Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Tone is subjective, and pedals all react differently to various basses, playing styles and amps. I had high hopes for the B3K but returned it the same day. After that I wasn't expecting much from the VMT yet I loved it. Yet other people, like Kev above, had the opposite experience! All are valid opinions though. The only way to tell for sure is to get both and return/sell the one you like least! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Coffee Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 It's a catch22 situation here and darkglass have you by the short and curlys. Tempt you with what's possible with the baby of the family and tease your hard earned cash later for the beast which undoubtedly will be the mutts nuts. I'm resigned to the £285 package , just which one ? I agree with the flat eq on the amp too, that way you never forget your settings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 Hmm if I can I'll try go deluxe but I doubt I will or be able to justify it I think I'll try order a VMT next week and will report back with how it goes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Buy both, sell one, you will lost 10% perhaps, max. Best way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 [quote name='Kev' timestamp='1399069657' post='2440838'] Buy both, sell one, you will lost 10% perhaps, max. Best way [/quote] That is the best way but sadly I don't have the funds but I do plan to maybe buy the b3k later down the line but for now I'm pretty much sold on the VMT, cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bisonkills Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 (edited) I have the Vintage and it's my only 'always on' pedal. Love the tone it gives me, really warm and the blend function makes is very useable without losing bottom end. It gives me a really nice hint of dirt without destroying my tone. I also run a Big Muff Clone after it if I want ridiculous over the top fuzz. Works well, although I really need to get a paralooper so I can blend my clean signal with the Muff. I got my Microtubes Vintage on the Talk Bass forums second hand, and paid about 1/2 the going rate over here. The seller was kind enough to doctor the customs declaration so I didn't get hit with tax. Edited May 3, 2014 by bisonkills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hmm I'm definitely leaning towards the vintage and I think I will buy new though as I'm building my first proper rig and like it that way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooks79 Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Have you had a look at the SolidgoldFX Beta? I'm hearing nothing but good stuff about it. Might be worth a look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 [quote name='Wooks79' timestamp='1399134250' post='2441407'] Have you had a look at the SolidgoldFX Beta? I'm hearing nothing but good stuff about it. Might be worth a look? [/quote] I shall definitely look into it thanks hope it doesn't make my situation harder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 VMT into a B7K. Best of both worlds (also costs a fortune mind) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchbass Posted May 5, 2014 Author Share Posted May 5, 2014 [quote name='cana.dan' timestamp='1399301239' post='2442873'] VMT into a B7K. Best of both worlds (also costs a fortune mind) [/quote] haha sounds good but yeah true a lot of money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJ Spicer Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 When I tried both out I found that the B7K was the way to go, covered a lot of the ground of VMT and all of the B3K. The EQ really makes the difference with these and gives you the options you want with this kind of investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbowskill Posted May 8, 2014 Share Posted May 8, 2014 I have a vintage microtubes inbound and wondered if anyone has tried it with a 12v power ( as the info says you can)?.... Much change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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