Anybody using Boss PS-5?

[docmaster]

I'm thinking about getting a Boss PS-5. I want an octave box so I can play a line in one register and get the lower register output, and I also have an occasional need to play in Eb tuning and don't really want to carry two basses.

Anybody using this box on a bass? Any other feedback on it?

[Timi]

I find the effected signal to be really latent, to the point where I find the PS-5 unusable.

[fuNKmaster83]

even guitarists complain of the tone suck on this unit!!!

[acleex38]

Too many trips to the store to try this pedal and the Digitech Whammy over and over again is what made me decide that I didn't really want a pitch shifter pedal after all.

[niftydog]

Originally Posted by docmaster

I also have an occasional need to play in Eb tuning and don't really want to carry two basses.

You're kidding yourself if you think that's going to sound even half-acceptable. There's simply no substitute for a properly tuned bass. The octave sound of these is also terrible compared to a 'proper' octave effect.

[Brad Barker]

the ps-5 is horrible. it's criminal that boss actually charges money for those things (and so much, too!). my roommate has one that he got for free, and he only used it for the whammy-type effect.

try out a digitech whammy instead. anything but the ps-5.

[JanusZarate]

The PS-3 is far better, IMO, than the PS-5 for pitch-shifting, but if there's one thing that neither unit does, it would be a natural shift.

My fascination with the PS-3 is how unusual it sounds. I didn't get it for natural tones, because it simply can't do them. I got it for its Bass-Whammy-style tones, among other things... and the Bass Whammy isn't "natural-sounding" either.

In terms of Eb tuning... are we talking EbADG (drop-Eb), or Eb standard? Because if it's just drop Eb, I think that could be achieved using a Hipshot Bass Xtender, which is normally used for instant detuning to Drop-D and back.

I'd check with Hipshot to make sure it can do a half-step drop, but I'm pretty sure the screw can go in far enough to allow a short drop like that.

[docmaster]

Thanks for all the feedback guys -- I really appreciate it.

I asked a local store to get one that I can try, so I'll try it out when it comes in, but now I don't hold out much hope that it'll work for what I want (I'm the kind of player that's tried various pedals every once in a while over the last 40+ years and never found one worth buying, but I was hopeful ).

BTW, I was talking about Eb standard tuning -- I already have a Hipsot on one bass. I guess I'll just have to schlep the extra...

[JanusZarate]

Pedals have improved dramatically in the past 20 years, especially in regards to bass pedals and guitar pedals that are bass-friendly. There's a more impressive market than before for them.

But they still haven't nailed natural-sounding pitch shifting.

[Jared Lash]

The PS-5 isn't what you want. But I do know the perfect pedal for your situation. Pick up one of these bad boys and you should be set:

[screamingmonkey]

I actually just picked one up on a lark, and second what everyone else has said.

While it's not particularly useful at all, I'm having trouble getting rid of it. It's a quirky little box that sounds like s***, but I think maybe I like it for that reason. Definitely never use it live though.

I should probably pick up the ps-3, though, sounds awesome.

[B.C.]

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

The PS-3 is far better, IMO, than the PS-5 for pitch-shifting, but if there's one thing that neither unit does, it would be a natural shift.

My fascination with the PS-3 is how unusual it sounds. I didn't get it for natural tones, because it simply can't do them. I got it for its Bass-Whammy-style tones, among other things... and the Bass Whammy isn't "natural-sounding" either.

In terms of Eb tuning... are we talking EbADG (drop-Eb), or Eb standard? Because if it's just drop Eb, I think that could be achieved using a Hipshot Bass Xtender, which is normally used for instant detuning to Drop-D and back.

I'd check with Hipshot to make sure it can do a half-step drop, but I'm pretty sure the screw can go in far enough to allow a short drop like that.

I must be super lucky because tone suck is not an issue at all for me. I use my unit as an octaver and the tracking is awesome. I must of gotten the good one.

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by B.C.

I must be super lucky because tone suck is not an issue at all for me. I use my unit as an octaver and the tracking is awesome. I must of gotten the good one.

You've misunderstood me - I said nothing about tracking or bypass or tone suck.

It's great in all of those departments.

What I said was that the actual tone of the pitch shifting is "unnatural". It's smooth and sounds awesome, but I wouldn't even think of using it to substitute for a downtuned bass.

It certainly has a range of other cool uses, though.

[343 Salty Beans]

Geez, Boo, the world doesn't revolve around YOUR POST. I think he was addressing the previous posters Joking, joking.

I do know my guitarist tried both the PS-5 and the Whammy, and went with the WH-4.

The WH-4 does have a gawd-awful bypass, for which I simply built him a passive bypass looper. It's tracking, however, is significantly more advanced.

The PS-5 has some serious issues with it's harmonies and pitch-shifting, even for guitar. Super-glitchy, in a bad way that only Radiohead could make sound good.

Bass Whammies are way too expensive for me to afford, so I've never tried one.

[dee rob]

Never had any issues with my PS-5, I use it all the time

dee

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by 343 Salty Beans

Geez, Boo, why does the world revolve around YOUR POSTS?

Fixed.