Basic question about switching settings between songs

[joegrant413]

I've only been performing guitar and bass for about a year, and had been using either an MFX with guitar or bass, or basically just going direct with a DI both to the PA. So I'm used to make quick and easy changes with just one stomp switch.

Now I got a VT Bass and really like it. I'd like to keep it on all the time, but sometimes the songs switch pretty fast. Also, the VT Bass settings are pretty sensitive.

So I guess the options are:

- Use the VT Bass only for the growlin' OD tone. Go direct for most songs (I mostly play with a very clean tone.)

- Use the VT Bass all the time. Learn and practice how to switch settings fast. I suppose also use the settings template to keep the settings right in front of you.

- Use the VT Bass all the time, and add a dirt pedal when heavier tones required. I also have the Bass Big Muff.

Your thoughts?

-- Joe

P.S. Too bad the VT Bass Deluxe doesn't come out sooner.

[BassBrass]

I use option 3 and the VT is for basic sound, not overdrive. I'd never use option 2 where I'd have to lean over and fiddle. Option 1 is difficult because of the gain sensitivity...what if someone walked by it and the breeze added 20db?

[fivestringgecko]

Disclaimer: I don't do much knob tweaking. When I get a new pedal, I usually find my favorite sound and go with it, either on or off. I'm fortunate to have at least two of every kind of effect I use (or 10, in the case of envelope filters... I lllloooovveeee filters), so if I need two different overdrive sounds for example, I'll swap stuff on and off my board and physically have two different overdrive pedals.

That said, an idea you could try for multiple settings on one pedal... put down some tape around the knobs and then you can mark your settings ON your pedal, rather than carrying a separate "template." I've used Scotch or low-adhesive masking tape with different colored markers to color code settings. Blue marks for song #1, red for song #2, green for song #3, etc. Then all you have to do is reach down and match the colors and you're ready to go.

5sg.

[joegrant413]

Thanks for the replies. It's nice to know at least someone else is wary of knob twiddlin' during a performance.

I'm leaning toward using keeping the VT Bass on a good clean tone, and using the Muff when heavy tone is called for.

-- Joe

[JimmyM]

if you get a vt deluxe when they come out, you can have your cake and eat it, too. 6 presets.

[BassBrass]

back in the day
of the multiple delay
knob twiddling was the norm and part of the music. Now I'm in a rock band that's fast in a set and I may hit 6 switches (takes 2.75 seconds) and I don't want to think about the floor.
Knob twiddling is very good but the VT has such a strong role as a shaper, left alone once you get the sound you want, and there are very good overdrives & fuzzes.
Having 2 of everything you like is the answer of course.