Bass Synth Question

ba$$ · #1 08-04-2010, 12:27 AM

What's up all?

Quick question - I am just starting to get into different bass effects. I have a dunlop wah and a MXR autowah.. I want a bass synth pedal though! I've heard great things about the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synth pedal.

Anyone have any experience with this pedal? A similar pedal? I appreciate any responses!

Also, I apologize if there is a similar thread for this - if so, please link!!

Thanks again,

ba$$

gumtownbassman · #2 08-04-2010, 12:50 AM

not used that pedal myself, i do use a Boss GT-10B multi, which has basically 2 x bass synths equivilent to the SYB-5.
Also i use a GR-20 midi guitar/bass synth plugged into the GT-10B external loop, all the synth i could ever need + more.

paul_5 · #3 08-04-2010, 01:29 AM

I'm running an SYB-5 as part of my rig and it's simply OK. The range of sounds are a little limited, and it has a tendency to be really 'toppy' and edgy; not much analogue warmth here. The only feature that persuaded me to buy it was the ability to trigger a note and then leave that playing underneath anything else you do (really useful for the sort of stuff I do), honestly that was the only reason I bought it. I thought about getting a keyboard player to join the band, but this does an acceptable job. All in all try before you buy, there are better sounding synth bass pedals out there than the SYB-5, but not too many that will do the 'drone' feature. Don't know if that's important or not.

ba$$ · #4 08-04-2010, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_5

I'm running an SYB-5 as part of my rig and it's simply OK. The range of sounds are a little limited, and it has a tendency to be really 'toppy' and edgy; not much analogue warmth here. The only feature that persuaded me to buy it was the ability to trigger a note and then leave that playing underneath anything else you do (really useful for the sort of stuff I do), honestly that was the only reason I bought it. I thought about getting a keyboard player to join the band, but this does an acceptable job. All in all try before you buy, there are better sounding synth bass pedals out there than the SYB-5, but not too many that will do the 'drone' feature. Don't know if that's important or not.

Mind naming a few if you are familiar with them?

Appreciated. I've been researching and watching youtube vids, reading reviews, etc - but I trust those on this board's opinions just as much!

Thanks!

**TheMutt** · #5 08-04-2010, 02:07 AM

If you want something cheaper, the DigiTech Bass Synth Wah will do the trick in a pinch.

If you're a constant tweaker, the Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer will have you battling its extremely unfriendly (IMO/IME) user interface to get synthy sounds.

If you want something that is analog, get an EHX Bass Micro Synth.

If you want something that is easier to program (so I've heard) get the MarkBass synth.

If you want versatility, get an octaver, envelope filter, and a fuzz.

If you need drones, get an EHX Freeze.

champbassist · #6 08-04-2010, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMutt

If you want something cheaper, the DigiTech Bass Synth Wah will do the trick in a pinch.

If you're a constant tweaker, the Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer will have you battling its extremely unfriendly (IMO/IME) user interface to get synthy sounds.

If you want something that is analog, get an EHX Bass Micro Synth.

If you want something that is easier to program (so I've heard) get the MarkBass synth.

If you want versatility, get an octaver, envelope filter, and a fuzz.

If you need drones, get an EHX Freeze.

He's got 'em down

Especially on the last two.

paul_5 · #7 08-04-2010, 02:39 AM

Agree with all of the above. Pretty comprehensive (and accurate) synopsis of each and every pedal!
Plus one on the octave / fuzz / envelope filter suggestion. That's the route I've gone down for actual 'dirty nasty phat synth'.

ba$$ · #8 08-04-2010, 03:20 AM

Very much appreciated. Thanks a lot, guys!

ba$$ · #9 08-04-2010, 03:34 AM

I am interested in what octave/fuzz/envelope filter set ups you guys use. Mind posting?

**TheMutt** · #10 08-04-2010, 04:02 AM

When I was using this setup, I had it running Octron 2 or PitchFactor -> Malekko B:Assmaster -> DigiTech Bass Synth Wah or 3Leaf Groove Regulator

In the past I've also use the Chunk Systems 00Funk, Chunk Systems Brown Dog, ZVex Wooly Mammoth, Boomstick Bottom Feeder (AKA ToneFactor 442 Red), BOSS OC-2 and OC-3, multiple versions of the DOD FX25, DOD FX32 Meat Box (look up my thread if you want to know what it does/sounds like), EBS BassIq, EHX BassBalls, EHX POG/HOG/Micro POG, EHX QTron, EHX Big Muff, Maxon AF-9, and a Barge Concepts Grinder in various synth setups.
I'm not the most versed with synthy sounds however. I never actually used them for anything more than fun noises at home, which is why my current pedalboard is tiny and has a few select pedals on it. I'm sure that John Davis will happen by this thread soon enough to impart his sage wisdom... or you could just search out his gear.

paul_5 · #11 08-04-2010, 04:14 AM

My 'synth' loop at the moment is a Boss OC-2, big old EHX Q-tron plus and a home made fuzz (germanium and asymetrical silicon diodes with a JFET input stage for nice valve-esque response). I have had good results with a russian big muff too.

ba$$ · #12 08-04-2010, 04:17 AM

My quiet neighbors thank you all in advance

chrisisnotevil · #13 08-04-2010, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_5

My 'synth' loop at the moment is a Boss OC-2, big old EHX Q-tron plus and a home made fuzz (germanium and asymetrical silicon diodes with a JFET input stage for nice valve-esque response). I have had good results with a russian big muff too.

Seems I happened across this thread at exactly the right time, having been asked to make some synthy noises by the band and my housemate just having his qtron fixed. Shall report back on how it goes with a musket/rat and a octave multiplexer! May chuck a stupid amount of delay and a Boss DF-2 in there for good measure. Have you any clips, sir?

wolffman · #14 08-04-2010, 07:01 AM

If you can be gentle with your pedal the Behringer BSY600 is a copy of the Boss SYB-5. It has 2 LFO settings which can be controlled with an expression pedal. Also Decay set to zero = no filter sweep where as the Boss will still sweep when set 2 zero.

Hard/Processed Bass Synth Sound

Its so cheap its worth a try. I love mine.

paul_5 · #15 08-04-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisisnotevil

Seems I happened across this thread at exactly the right time, having been asked to make some synthy noises by the band and my housemate just having his qtron fixed. Shall report back on how it goes with a musket/rat and a octave multiplexer! May chuck a stupid amount of delay and a Boss DF-2 in there for good measure. Have you any clips, sir?

I'll pop some up either tonight or tomorrow morning (UK time, not sure what that is in transatlantic money). stay tuned...

chrisisnotevil · #16 08-04-2010, 12:18 PM

Are you using the fuzz and octave in the effects loop of your qtron plus?

ba$$ · #17 08-04-2010, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolffman

If you can be gentle with your pedal the Behringer BSY600 is a copy of the Boss SYB-5. It has 2 LFO settings which can be controlled with an expression pedal. Also Decay set to zero = no filter sweep where as the Boss will still sweep when set 2 zero.

Hard/Processed Bass Synth Sound

Its so cheap its worth a try. I love mine.

I settled for the Behringer. When push came to shove, I gotta pinch pennies right now. I'll report back. Again, thanks to all for the feedback. I am new to the talkbass community but I already love it.

ba$$

paul_5 · #18 08-05-2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisisnotevil

Are you using the fuzz and octave in the effects loop of your qtron plus?

not for the momment, I have played about with it, but prefer the sound of everything in series. Also I need to use the Fuzz and oc2 independently of the Qtron. The order is Fuzz, Oc2, Q-tron plus. I'll post this on youtube later if I can get a moment. hope this helps.

ba$$ · #19 08-07-2010, 07:32 PM

Just got the BSY600. Has some very interesting sounds - I'm really enjoying it! Anyone else have this pedal? Any "perfect" settings that you've found?

Basehead · #20 08-10-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumtownbassman

not used that pedal myself, i do use a Boss GT-10B multi, which has basically 2 x bass synths equivilent to the SYB-5.
Also i use a GR-20 midi guitar/bass synth plugged into the GT-10B external loop, all the synth i could ever need + more.

Do you still need to use the GK-3 divided pickup, or is it just plug-n-play? Also, any sound clips of the bass using the GR-20 synths?

Thanks!