Boss pedals

v1paul · #1 06-23-2009, 01:31 PM

I've seen some boss pedals but I've never tried one... are they any good specifically the bass synth.

René_Julien · #2 06-23-2009, 01:38 PM

The BOSS Bass Synth has a bad reputation around here.
It's also my opinion.
There are tons of better alternatives.

I think BOSS pedals in general are good.
Some are hit, some are a miss.

I like the DD-3 an awful lot.

Chronicle · #3 06-23-2009, 01:48 PM

There's so many Boss pedals. Some suck. Some don't. Do some research.

JMDT · #4 06-23-2009, 01:51 PM

These Boss pedals see varying ammounts of use here:
OC-2
OC-3
PS-3
PS-5
DD-3
DD-7
BF-2
BF-3
CE-5
CEB-3
CH-1
ODB-3
GEB-7
CS-3
LMB-3
SYB-3
SYB-5
TR-2
PH-3
SG-1

I may have miss a few, but you get the idea.

The OC-2, DD-X, and PS-3 seem to be the most popular options from Boss. The CE-5, BF-3, GEB-7, ODB-3, and LMB-3 are good options as well.

FreaqyFrequency · #5 06-23-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMDT

ODB-3

I warn the OP, though, that the ODB-3 is not characteristic of an overdrive. It's got a very strange, grunge/metal snarl thing going on, with some added background noise (which was always what annoyed me about it). The only pedal I've ever heard come close to that sound was the Ibanez PD7, so if you don't like it, don't discount all overdrives immediately.

By the way, does anyone know if there are any other pedals with that snarly/grind characteristic to them? Not to derail the thread, but it seems strange that I haven't heard many pedals with that sound, yet I hear that sound somewhat often from bass on records, especially grunge, metal and rock records.

Valerus · #6 06-23-2009, 02:12 PM

A lot of Boss stuff is great.

I use The PS-3, BF-3 and soon a modded TR-2.

Most of their modulation stuff is good.

jimmothy.green · #7 06-23-2009, 02:24 PM

ODB-3 in extemely tweaked settings running through a nice compressor and an amp with alot of headroom sounds awsome.

takfar · #8 06-23-2009, 03:09 PM

I have the Bass Synth, and it's a great noisemaker (I keep in on my board for that sole purpose). If you plan to use it as an actual synth, it's not that great, mainly because it tracks the notes very poorly. It can also (strangely enough) double as a crackly fuzz on one of the settings. I also use a DD-7 and LS-2, and love them both.

#9 06-23-2009, 03:19 PM

I'm probably one of three people here who really likes the Boss ODB3.

jufros · #10 06-23-2009, 05:28 PM

LS-2, CE-5, BF-2, PH-3, all awesome.

RickenBoogie · #11 06-23-2009, 05:30 PM

TU-2.

BigOldHarry · #12 06-23-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1paul

I've seen some boss pedals but I've never tried one... are they any good specifically the bass synth.

I've owned one and thought it was useless - sold it on Ebay.

Boss pedals are more or less the go-to pedal for inexpensive stuff. They aren't bad - but they aren't top of the line.

The benchmark right now, for bass synth seems to be the Electro Harmonix Bass Micro Synth. ~$200.

StevenO · #13 06-23-2009, 05:36 PM

I really like the OC-3...I know the OC-2 has a big fan base, but I find the OC-3's octave + drive is a great base for building synthy tones with additional FX.

BigOldHarry · #14 06-23-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

I'm probably one of three people here who really likes the Boss ODB3.

You know, I tried one last week at Best buy (Killing time)... and I was impressed. I didn't hear it at volume, and I didn't muck with it for more than 10 minutes, but the blend control and overall tone made me do a double take....

warwick.hoy · #15 06-23-2009, 05:38 PM

If you want a cheap synth pedal get a Digitech BSW. That said, I'm a card carrying member of the Boss Pedals Rock Club.

lowbass68 · #16 06-23-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

I'm probably one of three people here who really likes the Boss ODB3.

More than just 3 I think like it. The ODB-3 is a good pedal for some applications. As FreaqyFrequency mentioned it "is not characteristic of an overdrive". IMO it's more of a distortion/fuzz hybrid or something. Had Boss not called it an Overdrive, I think it would have a better reputation.

*insertcoolname · #17 06-23-2009, 07:47 PM

I own the OC-2, OC-3, ODB-3, DD-7 and BF-3. All are currently on my board except the OC-2 because I find the OC-3 to be much better. Of all the digital octavers you can get the OC-3 sounds the best IMO. The others do what they do really well with a couple other fun noisemaking modes.

Crabby · #18 06-23-2009, 10:40 PM

The BF-2 flanger is fantastic on bass. I foolishly parted with my "vintage" 1980 first edition. Good thing though is that it was a hugely popular pedal and there are boatloads of them out there.

line6bassist · #19 06-23-2009, 10:44 PM

i use the LMB-3 for a tight slap bass sound..the enhance is worth the price of the unit

EskimoBassist · #20 06-24-2009, 02:37 AM

The Search function is your friend!

There are so many boss pedals, just look at their website or have a look on youtube to get a feel for them.

I currently own: OC-3, CEB-3, ODB-3, DD-6, GEB-7, TU-2 and BF-3.

Personally, I think they are all GREAT pedals. The ODB-3 will get a lot of hate around here, but I think if you use it properly, you can get some great sounds.

Boss pedals I DON'T rate: SYB-3, SYB-5. That is all.