Cable Length/Blender Question

Ginsly · #1 08-03-2010, 01:16 PM

So, I have a quick question for you pros. I'm running a 30" coiled Bullet cable from my Jazz Bass (passive mode) into a couple of true-bypass fuzz pedals, and a 15" cable to the input of a Terror Bass 500. I was thinking about getting a blender to mix in some of my dry signal, but I 'm not sure if I should get one with true bypass (Xotic, etc) or if a buffer (Boss LS-2) might actually help my tone. I really don't want to break the bank, but I really need a simple blender (invert switch or no?) so I can use my Chunky Cheese to better effect. I just don't know if my cable lengths would be considered long. I also have a VT Bass that I'm on the fence about putting in my chain (because of the buffer)- I guess I'll decide about that once I figure out the blender's true-bypass/buffered issue. Thanks a lot - you guys have helped me tremendously in the past!

bongomania · #2 08-03-2010, 01:31 PM

It's a little bit tricky with some fuzzes. For many of them, a buffer between the pickups and the pedal can make the fuzz sound harsh and spitty. Some blenders use a buffer in the splitter section, so putting one of those "sensitive" fuzzes in the loop of such a blender would give you that harsh sound completely regardless of the type of bypass switching involved.

Various possible solutions:
--Find a blender that does not put a buffer at the front of the loop.
--Use a passive splitter box for the start of a loop, and an active mixer box for the blending end of the loop.
--Decide you like the sound of the fuzz in the loop, regardless of buffers or whatever.

Ginsly · #3 08-03-2010, 02:23 PM

Thanks, bongomania - I have noticed that putting a buffered pedal in front on fuzzes (woolly mammoth especially) makes them sound a lot different, and not in a good way. Do you know of any blenders that don't have a buffer at the front of the loop? The splitter/mixer idea is interesting, but it seems like there should be an easier alternative. Thanks for your help!

Steveaux · #4 08-04-2010, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginsly

So, I have a quick question for you pros. I'm running a 30" coiled Bullet cable from my Jazz Bass (passive mode) into a couple of true-bypass fuzz pedals, and a 15" cable to the input of a Terror Bass 500. I was thinking about getting a blender to mix in some of my dry signal, but I 'm not sure if I should get one with true bypass (Xotic, etc) or if a buffer (Boss LS-2) might actually help my tone. I really don't want to break the bank, but I really need a simple blender (invert switch or no?) so I can use my Chunky Cheese to better effect. I just don't know if my cable lengths would be considered long. I also have a VT Bass that I'm on the fence about putting in my chain (because of the buffer)- I guess I'll decide about that once I figure out the blender's true-bypass/buffered issue. Thanks a lot - you guys have helped me tremendously in the past!

Why worry ???

45 inches isn't much cable.

bongomania · #5 08-04-2010, 10:18 AM

Well played!

Ginsly · #6 08-04-2010, 05:47 PM

Very nice... had to be said.

JimmyM · #7 08-05-2010, 02:39 AM

i find it pretty funny that you'd run 45 FEET of cable and then worry about using a vt because it's not a true bypass. that's the least of your worries with that much cable. otoh, i've used extremely long cable runs in the past and the only thing that suffered was i'd lose a little high end. big deal.

anyway, to answer your question, just listen to bongo.