Author Topic: Octave effects? (Read 203 times)

richbass939 · « **on:** February 05, 2005, 07:52:44 AM »

Occasionally I would like to octave what I'm playing. I know practically nothing about octave effects. I know that I'm not suddenly going to have an 8-string. The little bit I've read about octaves talked about adding the lower octave to what is played. I am hoping for something that adds the higher octave. What I'm afraid of is that the effect box would add the octave but change the tone too much. I want the tone (especially the rich bottom) to not be affected very much. I'll be at a guitar store in about 6 weeks and will have an opportunity to try some out. Any suggestions or comments?
Rich
P.S. I have a '95 Epic with standard electronics.

(Message edited by richbass939 on February 05, 2005)

hieronymous · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2005, 05:28:03 AM »

As far as I know, there are basically two kinds of octave up effects - analog and digital. Analog would be something along the lines of the Roger Mayer/Tycho Brahe Octavias. That's the only type I'm familiar with, so I'll leave digital to someone else.

I've got a Black Cat Bass Octave Fuzz, which is similar to the Octavia - it's a clone of the Maestro Bass Brassmaster. As the name implies, it's actually a distortion pedal that adds an upper octave when you play around the middle of the neck and higher. The Black Cat is nice because it allows you to mix the direct and effected signals. You can see a write-up here - just scroll down.

However, I get the feeling that this isn't the type of pedal you are looking for! Are you sure that getting an octave down effect wouldn't be more appropriate for what you want to do? I'd worry that the artificial upper-octave would be too artificial sounding, whereas octave down pedals, since they're only supplying bass frequencies, can sound really good, as you're hearing the good sound of your high note mixed with a deep synthetic tone...

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2005, 06:23:02 AM »

What about the EBS OctaBass? It only gives you the octave below, but AFAIK the pedal lets you mix the two signals. Look here: http://www.ebs.bass.se/index2.html

It's an octave divider, so it doesn't do an octave higher than what you play. For bass, octave dividers will work better if you play the higher octave anyway.

There are some gizmos that transpose - not sure about the name: harmonizers? There are even units that do instant harmonies for solo singers.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2005, 11:05:17 AM »

Anyone ever tried a Zvex johnny octave? I am not sure how they would respond to bass, and active electronics for that matter. The pedal can do one or two octaves up, and is based on an analog ring modulator circuit. I'd love to hear if anyone has tried one with any sort of instrument.

richbass939 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2005, 11:10:57 AM »

Thank you guys for the input. I am not opposed to an octave down effect. I would not mind playing an octave higher and letting the box put in the lower octave as long as it has a nice rich sound. I love the rich low end my Epic has on the E and A strings and I'm not willing to give that up just to have the octave ringing.
Do you guys find that the added lower octave still has nice sounding lows?
Rich

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2005, 01:18:43 PM »

On the site, go to Products > Pedals > OctaBass > Sound samples. The unit has three main settings, which are covered in the sound clips.

It is supposed to follow well down to the open A string. If you need to go below that, they suggest either adding a compressor before the unit, or (1) boosting the lows on the bass - which of course you can do on an Epic, and (2) cutting the excess lows on your amp.