Author Topic: Simulating an eight string (Read 196 times)

bsee · « **on:** June 01, 2010, 08:11:40 AM »

A couple years ago I picked up an EH POG for this purpose. It is pretty good, and it will also make a pretty neat organ sound. The problem is that you set it manually with sliders any time you want to make a change, and good luck getting it to stay in the same spot if you pack it up to move.

Currently, there seem to be a number of harmonizers out there with varying levels of programability and sound quality. Has anyone messed around with these things to have an opinion as I look to upgrade? In particular, I have been looking at the Eventide PitchFactor and EH POG2.

What I'm looking for is great eight/twelve string bass simulation first. It has to sound real. Beyond that, intelligent harmonizing of thirds or fifths would probably find a use. Any exotic organ sounds or what have you would be neat and might break a tie. The box also has to save patches and be suitable for live performance.

Anyone out there play with this stuff? Hard to find a stocking dealer around to try the stuff - the down side of an internet economy.

Thanks!
-bob

PS - I will be offering the POG for sale once I figure this out.

bluplirst · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2010, 10:01:00 PM »

Hi Bob,

The POG2 is the best for what you're looking for (the 8/12 string bass sound). It is the best tracking and most realistic sounding harmonizer out there. It sounds great and is so easy to save presets. IMO, it is one of the coolest pedals ever made. It doesn't do 3rds or 5ths. You should look at the HOG for that.

I have the eventide pitchfactor too, but for what you're after I would definately try the POG 2.

Good Luck,
Dan

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2010, 12:42:03 AM »

Just picked up on this..I have a Zoom B1U with one of these parameters in it.
It can be adjusted using the rotarys in the edit mode..is this the same as the EH Octave unit that is being discussed?
I haven't really experimented with anything beyond the usual effects but this has got my interest, especially the multi string effect

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2010, 06:22:41 AM »

Dan, thanks for your opinion. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on the two pedals if you have them both. Do you find uses for both, or has one replaced the other for you? Would you have any idea of the performance of either working with bass frequencies?

I was kind of leaning the other way based upon the intelligent harmonies and high reputation of Eventide.

-bob

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2010, 06:50:33 AM »

Terry,

Look around on Youtube and you should find some samples of tones these things can do. I didn't find much on your Zoom out there, but there's some stuff for the higher end models.

-bob

terryc · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2010, 11:08:46 AM »

cheers Bob, will check it out

mikedm · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2010, 12:38:36 PM »

I'm really interested in this thread. The music director at church asked if there were a device I could use to simulate a rhythm guitar with the bass.

I read the Pog2 PDF looking for information on the bypass feature. I was hoping to read that you could send separate wet and dry signals from the unit. I think it would be neat to double the bass line with an organ-like effect. Doesn't seem that is possible, from what I read it's one or the other.

Dan, (see Bob's questions three posts up) how practical are the lower octave controls on the Pog2 for bass?

Mike

bluplirst · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:45:41 PM »

Hey Bob,

The eventide is great for diatonic harmony. I use it mainly for the micropitch effect which thickens my guitar tone (with detuning). It doesn't do the organ sound that the POG 2 can.

The POG2 does track better (and octaves sound better) and sounds great for bass and guitar (my bass player uses one too).

The organ sounds of the POG2 are much smoother sounding than the original. Both totally clean and dirty/swirling organ sound fantastic. Since 3rds and 5ths (10ths etc.) sound great on bass and are easy to play without effects, I would put the POG2 as more useful for bass.

Mike,

The lower octaves of the POG2 are best used sparingly with a bass. The 2nd octave down is a little bit overkill, but the 1 octave down can really fatten your tone. Plus, you can combine your clean bass tone with the organ sounds or even have the organ sound swell after your unaffected bass note. You will shake your fellow church goers with some glorious sounds with this thing.

Hope this helps.

bsee · « **Reply #8 on:** June 03, 2010, 07:04:57 AM »

You have me leaning strongly toward the POG2. You wouldn't happen to work for EH, would you?

bluplirst · « **Reply #9 on:** June 03, 2010, 05:13:56 PM »

I wish....

Attention EHX! You need me!

mikedm · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2010, 07:20:28 PM »

On a whim I went by the local GC and what do you know? they had a Pog. Too bad they couldn't locate the power adapter. But wait! They had a Pog2! Oops, just the power adapter and not the unit itself. The adapter for the Pog2 didn't fit the Pog. Gee wiz. None of the other adapters they had would fit the Pog either. No go on the demo. Rats.

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** June 03, 2010, 07:38:37 PM »

bsee · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2010, 07:29:50 PM »

So, POG2 is on order, should have it next week. Guitar center had a 20% off deal, so worth a shot.

mikedm · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2010, 07:26:19 AM »

I'd appreciate a review once you have time to evaluate it.

thanks,
Mike

bsee · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2010, 08:03:40 PM »

I will report and compare the original POG and the POG2. I will be trying to get it dialed in for a gig 3-4 days after it arrives, so I'll give it a good run right away.

-bob