For all the Newbies To Bassic Effects

[kingofthestring]

Most of the time, you're probably not gonna need too many effects with a bass, depending on what kind of music you play. I'll go over some of the common effects that ARE used, and what they do:

Chorus: Bassically (sp intended) chorus sounds like two basses are being played at one time. The effect splits the signal from your bass into two parts, detunes and delays one slightly, then mixes the two back together. This is probably the most common effect used on bass.

Overdrive/Distortion: These just amplify the signal so much that it distorts. It's the same principle that guitar distortion uses, but I don't really think it sounds as good on bass. It can be used in some situations, though.

Compression: I don't have a compressor, but it's something I need. From what I understand, it's used a LOT on bass, especially in recordings. All it does is keeps your volume at a fairly consistent volume. I've heard that it brings the bass out more, makes it sound more "punchy."

Equalization: This just boosts or cuts certain frequencies in the signal from your bass. A very useful tool. The bass/treble controls on a stereo are a kind of EQ, but most units built for musicians are much better. You'll probably have some type of EQ on your amp.

Wah: This is the one you mentioned specifically. I haven't heard wah used very much (you can hear it on "Anesthesia" (sp), or on some live versions of "For Whom the Bell Tolls," both by Metallica). Wah sounds like the bass is saying "wah" (kinda obvious, huh?). I think that it just cuts certain frequencies from the signal, depending on what position the pedal is in.

Later,

[nad]

This is a great thread...

















FOR ME TO POOP ON.

[Valerus]

FAIL

[TheMutt]

Most of this is already covered in links in the effects forum rules and FAQ sticky at the top. Also, none of these descriptions are the end-all-be-all definitive answer that you would have them be. "Useful" is also very nebulous word. It really depends on the context of the music, and the sound that the player is after. Lastly, there are many many other effects that are perfectly usable on bass, and are used by many bassists famous or not.

Sorry to rain on your parade. As an effects addict, I can't let this post slide by without commentary. More than anything else, I feel that this forum is around to encourage bassists everywhere to experiment with effects that have long been seen as "for the guitarist only" and discuss which is their favorites, or about how to modify or improve upon them.

[ga_edwards]

Seriously, this could be a useful thread if it was more objective, but you come across as a newbie yourself. Your comments about compression are just laughable, how can you honestly expect to advise someone else what different effects do if you haven't done the proper research and/or used them yourself.

It's like going for your first driving lesson for the instructor to tell you he's not actually driven a car before, but he understands the basic concepts.

Also, when writing guides like this you must remove personal opinion and bias. Just because you don't like overdrive, doesn't mean other people shouldn't use it, it happens to be one of my most used effects. By all means recommend and warn of good or bad devices, but keep it objective.

As I said, potentially a good idea, but fails in execution.

[kingofthestring]

i meant this thread as basic intro to common effects that are used on bass

i know its not the be all end all of descriptions but it gives the newer member a brief description of what they do

[The BurgerMeister]

kingofthestring: while i think i understand the reasoning behind this thread and appreciate your trying to help out those who are new to effects, please realize that there are always new and creative things to be done with effects of all kinds.

also, as aforementioned, descriptions of the different types of effects can be found in the FAQ sticky of this forum.

[UncleBalsamic]

This thread isn't that bad and at least he's trying to help beginners guys.

Maybe it does need a bit more detail or whatever but well done for trying mate.

[The BurgerMeister]

Originally Posted by kingofthestring

i meant this thread as basic intro to common effects that are used on bass

i know its not the be all end all of descriptions but it gives the newer member a brief description of what they do

guess i came late.

might i ask: what is "Session Effects?"

[Sean S]

Originally Posted by The BurgerMeister

might i ask: what is "Session Effects?"

+1

[bongomania]

In experimental economics, where subjects participate in different sessions, observations across subjects of a given session might exhibit more correlation than observations across subjects in different sessions. The problem of session effects is related to similar problems in many experimental and non-experimental fields.

@King: I'm sure many of us can appreciate your good intentions. However the descriptions you gave mostly show a lack of understanding of the effects, which means those descriptions will not actually be helpful to newbies. The only one that has understanding, and therefore value, is the description of chorus; although even there, the bit about it being "the most common effect used on bass" was only true from like 1980-1989.

I don't think throwing your own personal tastes into the descriptions is helpful at all. What does any newb care if you like distortion or not?

[RickenBoogie]

It's always a tough crowd. But these here fx forums is serious bizzness. They're not just shiny little boxes that make your bass sounds sparkle. These people are dangerous. But, don't be shyin' away, there's loads of good info on these pages. Read up, learn, help newbs later, when they ask.

[jgroh]

Yeah, wow, you guys are brutal. Id say, add to the descriptions if you dont agree with them and maybe this could be a more useful thread.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I don't think throwing your own personal tastes into the descriptions is helpful at all. What does any newb care if you like distortion or not?

This is what bothered me about this thread. I applaud the effort and the willingness to help people just starting out, but why involve your personal feelings on different effects if this is to be an objective introduction to effects.

As for the the pedal descriptions being inaccurate, it strikes me that this is the sort of thing that would best be done in the Wiki so it could undergo peer editing by everyone at TB.

Then again, if I were writing an effects guide for people new to effects it would basically be a list of pedal types and phrases to put into the search along with a direct link to the Effects Databass in the Wiki.

[ehque]

Originally Posted by kingofthestring

...chorus sounds like two basses are being played at one time...This is probably the most common effect used on bass...I don't have a compressor...From what I understand...I've heard...I haven't heard...I think...

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

you come across as a newbie

+1. I don't even have some effects that you mention yet and i can still point out your errors.

[EricF]

[grygrx]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

It's always a tough crowd. But these here fx forums is serious bizzness.

I don't think that is fair, experienced users spend a lot of time trying to undo and prevent misinformation and bias about effects. A thread like this tosses that back at them, moves inaccuracy and bias forward, and claims to be from some 'authority'. All of which causes my teeth to grind.

[fishtx]

Originally Posted by EricF

LOL...

[KarateKid25]

Originally Posted by fishtx

LOL...

+1 That picture is great! heheh...That just made my morning!

[Swift713]

This thread delivers, started with a ***? and a chuckle and then on to a LMFAO.