Alternatives to the Sansamp GT2?

rockstarbassist · #1 01-08-2011, 12:19 AM

So I've had one of these pedals a while now, and it's pretty awesome. Like it's unique attack and it's sound.
However if you've tried one of these before, you know how much low end really drops out even with the Bass fully on. I'm looking at having someone try and mod it out to make it a tad more bass friendly, but if that doesn't work, what else gets that attack and tone similar to the GT2 but retains the low end? I've used the BDDI before but it doesn't sound anything like the GT2 unless there's a "magic" setting or something...

Which I def haven't found/read about.

Anyway, input needed if ya got any!

Vic Winters · #2 01-08-2011, 01:51 AM

Have you tried it with a blender pedal?

rockstarbassist · #3 01-08-2011, 10:08 AM

No haven't but would I need to engage that every time I used the pedal? Plus I don't know that I have room for one on my board, actually.

Vic Winters · #4 01-08-2011, 10:31 AM

Yes. But you could turn on the GT2 at any time you want, and only get the distortion when you kick on the blend pedal. I don't know how much space you have but a Barge Concepts VB Jr has a pretty small footprint.

Qvist · #5 01-08-2011, 11:34 AM

I think the VT bass does what you describe you're lookin for pretty good. Just crank the Character knob past 12 o'clock and you got it with a ass kicking overdrive end and a pretty damn solid low end :-)

rockstarbassist · #6 01-08-2011, 11:40 AM

The BDDI doesn't have the same characteristics really of the GT-2, and the GT-2 sounds about as dissimilar as you can get to an S"VT", so...

that's one of the draws to the GT-2 for me is it isn't the standard/generic Tech21 "bass sound" which I really don't like.

rockstarbassist · #7 01-08-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Yes. But you could turn on the GT2 at any time you want, and only get the distortion when you kick on the blend pedal. I don't know how much space you have but a Barge Concepts VB Jr has a pretty small footprint.

yeah i know they are indeed small. I may measure the board and see what I can fit and if that would work logistically with the off/ons for both pedals.

Mingus Addict · #8 01-08-2011, 11:48 AM

Have you thought about asking this question in Justin Meldal-Johnsen's "Ask A Pro" section? I know he's a really big fan of the GT2 so he may have some insight for you.

rockstarbassist · #9 01-08-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingus Addict

Have you thought about asking this question in Justin Meldal-Johnsen's "Ask A Pro" section? I know he's a really big fan of the GT2 so he may have some insight for you.

Oh really? I didn't know that so good call!

I actually found out after I got it (I think) that Justin C. is a big user as well and my settings are sorta close to his as I really only use the GT-2 when 1 or both guitars cut out and I need a real guitar-style crunch, but again it's a big sacrifice for the low end.

bigchiefbc · #10 01-08-2011, 12:57 PM

What setting do you have the GT-2 set to on the amp switch. Each position models a different amp. That will help us recommend a similar sounding pedal

rockstarbassist · #11 01-08-2011, 01:40 PM

My bad I should've done that-

Amp is on "California", and Mod is on "Hot Wired".

rockstarbassist · #12 01-10-2011, 08:28 AM

jpTron · #13 01-10-2011, 09:14 AM

Mike Putnam seems to know a lot about Sansamp pedals and has done bass friendly mods before. Shoot him an email.

rockstarbassist · #14 01-12-2011, 09:38 AM

Will be sending it off next week to try and have something done to help out. But any additional pedal suggestions still?

Badmuthaplucka · #15 01-12-2011, 10:04 AM

Try this http://www.bossus.com/gear/productde...ProductId=1130

Set the the drive to "0" or "1". There is a slight bass loss but it's not bad at all. You can dial some of is back with the bass knob.

rockstarbassist · #16 01-12-2011, 10:11 AM

Interesting. Doesn't really have the same character of the GT2 though, but still may be worth a look.

bigchiefbc · #17 01-12-2011, 12:01 PM

California setting on the GT-2 is supposed to emulate a Mesa Boogie amp. Tech 21 makes a full pedal just based on the California now, but I'm not sure how it is on bass.

Honestly, that's the one that I can't think of any pedal clones at the moment.

rockstarbassist · #18 01-13-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

California setting on the GT-2 is supposed to emulate a Mesa Boogie amp. Tech 21 makes a full pedal just based on the California now, but I'm not sure how it is on bass.

Honestly, that's the one that I can't think of any pedal clones at the moment.

LOL exactly. I've been trying to think through all the stuff I know is out there that would get me close, and I remember that specific "California" pedal, but again like you said- it may not provide any more bass/low end than what I'm getting now.
I could test it out though. I think I saw one at my local GC actually.

I guess I'll just go get a Recto 212 combo and mic up...

tech21nyc · #19 01-13-2011, 11:37 AM

You might consider our Para Driver DI. Many bassists use that. It has a good deal of gain and with the sweepable semi-parametric mid you could probably dial it in to sound close to the GT2 with the ability to add a greater range of low end.

As others suggested, the VT Bass would probably get you there as well you would just have to play around with the EQ's and character settings.

How much gain are you going for with the GT2?

rockstarbassist · #20 01-13-2011, 02:17 PM

Well I have it on California and on the Hot Wired setting, but my Drive setting is very low. I also have an Xotic Bass BB and a Boss ODB-3 on board and neither of those come close. I think it's just the California model I'm after as I tried some of the other settings and I really didn't care for them, even the "SVT" model settings from the Tech 21 site.

Would the actual California pedal give me some more beef?

I'll look at the Para Driver, but if it's anything like the BDDI I really won't be a fan. I've used the 3-setting BDDI before and I dont' care for that tone nearly as much as what I get from the GT-2.

I'm also not sure it makes any difference, but mine is what I believe is the first-run of the pedal, that has to have it's own adapter (not the standard female 9V tip-end).