Pedals

[Pete si]

I’ve looked all over the site and I don’t see anything on pedals. Does anyone out there use pedals? If so, what kind and why would you use them?

[growlypants]

Hey, Pete!  I really don't use pedals "as such", but I do use a rack-mounted reverb/chorus thing made by Lexicon.  (MX-200). I only play along with records these days, so I much prefer not bending over (I'm getting too old for that, anyway!) plus the on-off switch racket always bothered me.  It's got lots of other effects too, but I haven't played around with them that much.  Good question!

[mario_farufyno]

I use a pedalboard in this chain order and pedals:

- Boss LS-2 (line selector with 2 parallel sends to)
> Boss OC-3 (1 octave down)
> Way Huge Conquistador (Gated Fuzz)
The ideia here is being able to select just Octave or just the Fuzz signal, as combining them as Fuzz + Clean (OC-3 bypassed), Octave + Clean (Fuzz bypassed) or Octave + Fuzz simply switching routing options at LS-2.

Or simply bypass both before sending to a
- Snarling Dogs Bootzila Bass Wah (Bootsy Collins signature wah)
- Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron (envelope filter)

- Malekko Phase (phaser)
- DBX 163 (half rack compressor)
- DMT bass preamp (microtube darkglass clone)
- Boss CE-3 (Chorus)

I use compressor and preamp as an "always-on base" to an almost clean tone (just a little overdriven to compress a bit more and add a little hair to strongest notes). The compressor gain reduction on clean tone doesn't exceed more than -3dB, but is really usefull when using the other effects.

All other effects are intended to get me different synth like tones. I think the octaver and fuzz as my wave generator along the bass itself. The Wah and QTron are my filters and the Phaser and Chorus are the oscilators of this "synth".

For some years I intended to get a delay to use after a reverb (yes, I like this way more) at chain's end, but I don't have more space in board to any new pedal and really never succeded in playing with them, so they are out until I learn better ways to use them.

[mario_farufyno]

I use the compressor in this position to tame a little the Wah and Filter resonant peaking boost and to bring the phaser a little forward. If my phaser had volume control I would use it after preamp/overdrive.

Except for the chorus, which I don't use that much, all effects where chosen due to their good lowend response. I also have a TC Electronic Hall of Fame (reverb) but can't find a use to it, a SolidgoldFX BETA (bass overdrive) that sounds too distorted and too bassy for my alembicised taste, so both are retired by now (Bassy... is this a word?). The BETA is one of those pedals that doesn't "like" active basses as many fuzzes and distortions driven by germanium transistors. That was how I learned to not buy anything without testing it with my bass first...

I also use the DSM OmniCabSim Deluxe which is an analog cabinet simulator that enables me to taylor a "cab" response and resonance to my taste and use its DI to send it to feed sound reinforcement. That way my amp is just my personal monitor and I can tweak it as I need without messing with what audience will hear and engineer doesn't have to "create" or add nothing to my bass tone (because is so boring having to explain that some basses doesn't need to sound as a P-Bass all the time).

[mario_farufyno]

I use a little pinch of modulation here and there, but that "almost clean" is really my main tone 80% of the time or more.

Despite my Bootsy/Graham idolatry, bass effects are not everyone's first choice (or every producer's or every band mate's choices either). But what would life be like without challenges, right?

[lbpesq]

If you are interested in opinions from a guitarist’s perspective, I use several pedals and have tried a bunch more.   But I can’t offer much that is bass specific.  Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Bill, tgo

[jazzyvee]

I don't use any on bass, but for my alembic guitar i use a boss LS-2, radial trimode for overdrive and distortion, univibe chorus, micro Qtron, custom audio electronics wah and crybaby that i use as a tone control. I might add that mostly I use just the clean sound of the guitars.

[Pete si]

Wow! I actually didn’t expect so many replies. I’ve always thought the alembic tone was fantastic on its own. I have to admit I don’t understand much of Mario’s reply but I thank him for it. However, I do understand completely growlypant’s reply. I’m in the same boat. Too old to bend and just playing along with records.

I am considering trying a compressor and an EQ Pedal just for fun. All my playing is just for fun now. Thank you guys for your replies. Much appreciated.

[hammer]

I’m pretty much of Peter’s ilk in the sense that the main reason I play Alembics is because I love the tone. If I was to show up for practice or a gig with 20% of what Mario uses I’d be shown the door by my Newgrass band mates.  In fact, Mario’s list of pedals reminded me of a paper I’m currently writing on the use of polypharmacy by service providers as a means of restraint with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

[gtrguy]

Thr Strymon Bigsky reverb is amazing on fretless

[elwoodblue]

I'd love to have a Strymon.


I use the MX400 and the reverbs are very satisfying. The stereo detune setting makes for a nice thickening.

[paulman]

Pedals always.  I use every kind of pedal, all modulations, fuzz overdrive, delay, reverb you name it.  Its the same board for Bass and Guitar I don't notice any freq loss on either.  Mostly DIY.


And loopers too, always at least two, usually 4.


Les Claypool is my effector inspiration.  He's a master of poignant effects application in songs.


An effect can change the mood or expression in a line, or add an ambiance to a progression, and keep things dynamic and fresh. 

[hieronymous]

How did I miss this thread?!! I love effects. I have an old Boss PQ-3B Bass Parametric Equalizer that I dusted off and have been using while I practice - I'm also mainly just playing along with music these days. I also always use a compressor - mine is a Custom Audio Electronics V-Comp tube compressor.

If you get a compressor, I suggest you get one that shows you when it's compressing, whether it's a single light that lights up or a meter like on the MXR bass compressor - that way you will really know when it's activating. It can also help with technique, helping you play more consistently. EQ & compression actually aren't that exciting, but they can be powerful tools.

I also like octave down, envelope filters, phasers, and distortion! But that's usually for my solo stuff, not so much with a band. Though it's nice to be able to try and mimic the stuff I'm playing along with, like Sneaking Sally Through the Alley or something like that. That whole triptych - Sailing Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneaking Sally by Robert Palmer is great fun to play along with!

[StephenR]

...Though it's nice to be able to try and mimic the stuff I'm playing along with, like Sneaking Sally Through the Alley or something like that. That whole triptych - Sailing Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneaking Sally by Robert Palmer is great fun to play along with!

No pedals for me but I have also been playing along with the same Robert Palmer triptych lately...

[mario_farufyno]

Gosh Pete, I didn't mean to confuse or bore you. I was detail oriented that much just to allow you to understand why and how I use certain pieces of gear (despite my little command of the English language), I am sorry if it sounded obscure.

At the end of the day I think the point is just "what tone do I want to get from my Bass" or "what sound do I have in my head". Then it will be possible to discuss which ways you can employ to get there.

I don't use pedals because I want to, I use them because there are certain sounds that I wouldn't be able to obtain otherwise. It is not an assessment of how a bass should sound or not and all that whole (and boring) issue of "pure sound" when it comes to electric pickups and tube amplifiers.

I use equalizer and preamp simply because I want the audience to hear what I do at my corner on stage and I know that the direct signal doesn't sound like the sound coming out of an tube amplifier, especially in larger venues with large sound reinforcement systems (two amps doesn't sound the same so we can't expect people hearing the same tone seated far way and listening through gigantic cabs). I use the compressor just because I alternate between techniques and I need the levels to be minimally leveled with each other so that they don't hear the Slap louder than Pizzicato. If I am playing in a smaller venue I'd probably use just the amp, because it already compresses, equalize and saturate by itself.