| Author | Message | ||
| alanbass1
Junior Username: alanbass1 Post Number: 28 Registered: 4-2005 |
I play both guitar and bass. When playing guitar I have two approaches; strat straight into a Victoria LP Twin tweed replica or through a myriad of effects into my Badcat amp; and I mean a lot of pedals with a custom routing set up. When playing bass I have always gone for straight into an amp and a quality compressor. For some reason I just cannot get into effects for bass, yet I love hearing people like Pino Palladino when they go through chorus or whatever. Anyone out there with some favourite effects that might be worth trying out? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 1605 Registered: 5-2002 |
Alan; there have been several threads on this subject and I imagine that if you run a search you will find quite a bit of useful information. As for myself, I just use a little reverb which I leave on all the time. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 473 Registered: 6-2002 |
The Envelope Filter! If you only use one effect, that should be it. My favorite is the EBS Bass IQ Triple Envelope Filter. I affectionately refer to it as the "Liquid Funk". | ||
| mattheus
Intermediate Member Username: mattheus Post Number: 122 Registered: 5-2003 |
To be honest; I prefer the sound of a bass without any effects. But nowadays you almost can't go without the effects. I've tried several in the past, so here's my experience..... (hahaha) boss chorus - nice electro harmonics - nice but with hiss.. boss dimension C - great boss octaver - combined with a chorus for that 'Pino Palladino sound' EBS pedals - all great mutron - that very weird bootsilicious sound compressor/limiter - for that 'Stan-sound' auto wah - cool etc. etc. Nowadays I use a Line6 basspod pro for my sounds. It works fine, has a lot effects onboard and is very practical. But I prefer the sounds of the pedals which have more 'balls' in their sounds. And finally, when I plug my bass straight into my amp.... it's like coming home.... | ||
| malthumb
Advanced Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 325 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have a Dunlop Bass Wah that I occassionally use on old Parliament Funkadelic stuff. I also have a Sansamp BDDI on the way for use with my "small" rig (G-K1001rb head). I've also added the Alesis QuadraVerb2 with a midi pedal to my small rig. I yanked the QV2 out of my big rig (DS-5R, F-1X,Crown,Xs500,Korg DTR1)when I sold my SF2 because I had just too many tone options to deal with. Peace, James | ||
| alanbass1
Junior Username: alanbass1 Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2005 |
I've got a Dimension C in my guitar rig. I will have to extract it and give it a try | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1992 Registered: 9-2002 |
In the old Tweak Peaks set-up was a Lexicon MPX-100 Multi-effetcs thing. I left it out but in the new set-up I willplace it in the backside of the rack. I only use it sometimes with Bonnie and I use the Chorus/echo or Chorus/reverb combinations fretless with Chi. Paul the bad one | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 335 Registered: 1-2003 |
I occasionally use a Morley Pro Flanger (the chrome thing with the big pedal on the top). Very very rarely, I'll use some tube distortion. One thing I've always wondered about was Chris Squire's use of 'Harmonised Rickenbacker Bass' on a few tracks off 'Tormato' - what's that all about then? Apart from the fact that I personally think it sounds bloody marvellous! Rog | ||
| alanbass1
Junior Username: alanbass1 Post Number: 31 Registered: 4-2005 |
All I can say about Chris Squire is that he has defined the Rickenbacker sound. Everytime I think Rickenbacker I think of the classic Yes songs. He also played a plethora of other basses but seemed to make them sound like a Rickenbacker....can't figure that either. I actually played in a band with his cousin, who was an excellent drummer but never got to meet Chris. | ||
| dubalbal
Member Username: dubalbal Post Number: 58 Registered: 10-2004 |
Hi Alan , Well , i'm using a boss multi-pedal effect : me-6 for bass of course...What i can just say is that i'm not a big fan of effects , but it helps to build your own sound . Boss me-6b works fair but since i've tried ebs pedal effects , i found what will be my next purchase : 3 or 4 ebs pedals: chorus , octaver , ...or may be a tc electronic effect rack...( chorus , reverb , delay...)which is fantastic !In fact , i 've changed my former trace elliot rig for all new ebs amp head ( fafner model ) and 2 - 4x10 + horn speakers , let me tell you it sounds really terrrrrrrrrific ! Enjoy your new mk bass , and if you're a fan a mark , i've some pictures of him , strings he gave me after a show...i'm really happy with that ...but ...it doesn't really help me playing better ...ahahah!!! Bye ALAIN | ||
| beelee
Member Username: beelee Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2004 |
I don't use alot of FX with my bass, but when I want/need to I use mainly rackmount. Rig #1 SWR Super Redhead w/ ART SGX Nitro in the amp's FX loop Rig #2 SWR SM 900 w/ ART SGX Nitro in the FX loop Rig #3 SWR SM 500 w/ Lexicon MPX G2 in loop and amp input ART X-15, X-12 and Lexicon R1 foot controllers also sometimes use a Dunlop Bass Crybaby 105 Q, Tube Works Blue Tube and Digitech Bass Whammy pedals. Just for basic effects, Chorus, Flanger, -12 Octave, L & S Delays, Reverb, OD/ Dist ( ART & Lexicon) OD & Boost ( Blue Tube) Chorus/Detune, Octaver ( Whammy) also have an ART Nightbass and Digitech Bass Harmony Machine, which I haven't gigged with yet, but they are pretty cool. Chris Squire might have been using a Eventide Harmonizer on "Tormato", He used a Tobias Custom 5 string on "Big Generator " tuning the low B string down to an A and a MPC Electra on "Drama" it had fx modules that plugged into the back of the bass "Tempus Fugit"..........it just goes to show you even tho he used different basses he still sounds like Chris Squire and Rickenbacker. His website has some info on his gear and some transcriptions to some Yes songs, although not in his gear list, you can see he has a ART Nightbass in his rack......www.chrissquire.com Bruce | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 471 Registered: 1-2004 |
My SF-2 is in the effects loop of my amp, does that count as an effect? Wilfred | ||
| jlpicard
Intermediate Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 183 Registered: 7-2002 |
Anyone tried a BBE sonic maximizer or an Aphex Big Bottom pedal? Mike | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 349 Registered: 8-2002 |
I rarely use any effects. I do have a Bass Balls, but I can't remember the last time I used it. I have a bass with a tremolo, but I'm not sure if that would count. I, personally, like to use no effects because I like to hear the true tone of the wood, neck, frets, strings, etc..... Paul TGO | ||
| gare
Intermediate Member Username: gare Post Number: 182 Registered: 11-2003 |
I read a few years back that Squire used an Eventide Harmonizer on several albums, including Tormato. His site is worth checking out. Over the years I've tried all kinds of effects,distortion,compressors,delays,chrous,wah wah's ,etc. I've also always prefered using 2 amps ,one with a straight bass tone,the other with a slightly different eq and whatever effects. Recently I've been experimenting with a TC Electronics M 1-XL, also stick a BBE sonic maximizer at the end of the chain before returning to the amp. I recently picked up a Mesa M-2000 head which has a crossover built into the efx loop so you can affect only a certain frequency range..still experimenting with that. I've also been meaning to pull out the old Boss SE50 which has harmonizer programs to play around with. Never saw a problem using effects if it helps out the sound and isn't over powering. Always thought effects should be almost invisible..the listener knows somethings going on, but can't quite figure it out . It always seemed to me that alot of people over use effects to the point where they become the sound. Gary | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 871 Registered: 3-2004 |
I use the Bass Pod XT pretty regularly, though more for modelling than for "effects" in the classical sense of the word. Occasionally I use the envelope filter and there's a cool synth strings patch that I mix in a parallel effects loop for a passage here and there. | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2003 |
I use: A Morley Power Wah An Ibanez Bass Chorus (it's ancient, but it works) A Boss Tremelo A Carl Martin Compressor That's it. Alan | ||
| keith_h
Junior Username: keith_h Post Number: 24 Registered: 2-2005 |
I wish I still had my Morley Power Wah. I occasionally use: MXR Stereo Chorus (old A/C powered model) MXR Envelope Filter I'm looking to add a volume pedal to even out the level when I go from single to both pickups on my BB. Keith | ||
| xlrogue6
Member Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 93 Registered: 8-2002 |
jlp-- I've been using a BBE 411 Maximizer for 10+ years--every other component has changed, but the Maximizer makes every rig I've used sound better to my ears. (My SF2 runs a close second in longevity in the rig.) I tried the Aphex unit recently with my Walkabout combo and didn't care for it--sounded mushy when engaged, to my ears. Also, its gain structure didn't work well with my Rogues--distortion when using the passive setting, and padded down too hard with the active. To my ears, the rig sounded much better without the Aphex, exactly the opposite experience I've had with the Maximizer. YMMV..... | ||
| gare
Intermediate Member Username: gare Post Number: 185 Registered: 11-2003 |
The Aphex seems geared more towards processing low end frequencies and accentuating them. Thats works nice for recording and maybe live vocals. The BBE seems to restore some upper end and presence to the sound,especially after eq's and processors. G | ||
| edwin
Member Username: edwin Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2002 |
I used to use a ridiculous setup that sounded great. Various envelope filters, distortions, Whammy pedal, wah, Lexicon LXP5 and LXP plus a Jamman. It took up a huge amount of real estate and a 12 space rack. Now I just use a Lex G2 and the Jamman (although I did just add an Electro Harmonix Bass Microsynth, it's awesome!) and I can get almost everything I had before plus more. Lots of fun! Edwin | ||
| alanbass1
Junior Username: alanbass1 Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2005 |
Edwin, Sounds wacky-ville. Bob Moog does a set of envelope filter type effects, might give these a try. Any other makes out there? | ||
| spacebass
New Username: spacebass Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2005 |
Toys, I love 'em and I hate 'em: I presonally use: Boss Octave pedal Digitech Bass Chorus Digitech Bass Delay which I run into a Aphex Aural Excited. Which gets some very heavy low end, fat round tones. I am trying to get my hands on Lovetone Meatball, but it's just not in the budget today. For those of you who love the Mutron, this thing will warp your mind! | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 542 Registered: 6-2002 |
Gare, at the risk of sounding like a puritan - but you mention "The BBE seems to restore some upper end and presence to the sound,especially after eq's and processors." That's exactly what fx units do: they add nice things to your sound -but always at a cost. Go direct into the BBE and I'm sure you'll notice that it takes away good things. Perhaps less than a stomp box, but still ... | ||
| alanbass1
Junior Username: alanbass1 Post Number: 36 Registered: 4-2005 |
The reason I have always gone 'natural' with the exception of high quality compression is that effects often 'muddy' the sound by stripping out the definition of the notes. However, I want to have a go with a few things for a change. Anyone tried the Boss Bass Synthesizer pedal that I noticed on the MusicToyz site? | ||
| mattheus
Intermediate Member Username: mattheus Post Number: 124 Registered: 5-2003 |
I've played with the Boss Synth lots of times. It has nothing to do with that 'natural' bass-sound. But it big fun to play with. It gives yoy the opportunity to make a (almost) real synth-sound. It has little problems with the tracking. The muddier the original bassound, the more problems you have with the tracking. You have to play very accurat. But, like i stated earlier, it's fun to play with. You always have people in the audience who will look at you with the idea that wath they hear isn't real.... | ||
| gare
Intermediate Member Username: gare Post Number: 186 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Adriaan I agree with you,I guess my remarks were feeable attempt to compare the 2 units,which to my ears are opposite. I've always found it interesting to see how others do things,after all where would we all be without experimenting and making mistakes ? Never tried going just into the BBE,have to give that a try,I've always used it to try and restore some brilliance at the end of the signal chain. It's interesting to see how other people setup their signal chain. Played with a guitarist once who ran a delay before a distortion box,I thought it sounded terrible, he thought it sounded great..to each their own. Gary | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 364 Registered: 6-2002 |
Back in the 70s, I was giging regularly in Iowa, and used my stereo Guild Starfire with an Electro Harmonix Y-Trigger Filter on the neck pickup and a Small Stone Phase Shifter on the bridge pickup. I never used them together. The Trigger Filter was cool for "Chameleon" ( a poor man's Mutron), but has died long ago. The Small Stone is still kicking. I might break it out again and try it with my Epics. Mike | ||
| 811952
Advanced Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 391 Registered: 10-2003 |
I play through a bass pod pro, but don't really use the effects much, though it does have a nice feature of being able to cross the effects over to keep the low unaffected. I have been known to run a true stereo chorus through the mains, which makes the bass sound huge (adding a touch of reverb to the lows really enhances the effect too). I've also got a BBE unit that really livens up a dead room, but I don't use it all the time. I am a big fan of a little compression to get the ringing JE I'm-beating-the-Hell-out-of-my-Rotosounds tone, though I don't like losing control of my dynamics that much. It's like everything has elements of Ying and elements of Yang and I don't know if I'll ever find a good balance of either! I use a little Alesis microverb on my DX-7 that's run by a set of Fatar bass pedals, just to get a bit less definition and a better rumble... John (Message edited by 811952 on April 22, 2005) | ||
| spose
Junior Username: spose Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2002 |
I play clean and straight 99% of the time...but there's a couple of tunes that I need the "funk" on...so I use these tools for that. My Series bass into a Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard - EBS OctaBass - EH Q-tron in a loop that only goes to my dedicated high cab. In the rack is EQ and a Rane DC24 dual band compressor which are always in the signal path. http://www.lilypix.com/photos/data/c81e728d9d4c2f636f067f89cc14862c/600_p42002.jpg http://www.lilypix.com/photos/data/c81e728d9d4c2f636f067f89cc14862c/600_p41993.jpg |
