Can you guys help me out with my rig?

brandall88 · #1 10-02-2010, 05:06 PM

It's my first post here (hello!) and I'm trying to get a decent bass rig together. Here's what I have so far:

Fender Passive Jazz Bass>Zvex Woolly Mammoth>MXR Blowtorch>Marshall GV-2 Guv'nor>Danelectro Cool Cat Tremolo>Boss Tuner>Acoustic B200 w/ B115 Cab.

The only pedal I'm 100% sure on is the Woolly Mammoth- I think it does what I wanted the MXR Blowtorch to do.

As far as the Blowtorch goes, I can't get any useable sounds out of it. I feel like the pedal has an extremely unfriendly EQ layout, and I'm either ALL low end or none at all. I guess I would like a more set-and-forget synth type fuzz, which I haven't been able to get out of this pedal. Maybe I'm dumb, since most people praise this pedal for just that.

The GV-2 I know is a guitar pedal, but it works pretty well as a slightly gritty overdrive. I'm kind of questioning how well traditional OD pedals will interact with the solid state amp circuit, since most are designed to push tubes. The GV-2 is alright, though I'm not crazy about the dual concentric tone knobs- and the sounds I get with it as the gain goes up.

The tremolo is used for a few choppy sections of songs with my band- I could take it or leave it, but the helicopter effect is cool.

Basically, I think I just need some suggestions to either get the most out of my current rig, or a few pedal swaps that could make improvements.

What I absolutely need is Fuzz, Overdrive, Tuner- and I'm honestly kind of lost on the rest, so all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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brandall88 · #2 10-03-2010, 08:45 AM

thanks!

jucas · #3 10-03-2010, 10:08 AM

I'd say it sounds like you're pretty well on your way. If you like the mammoth, and aren't liking the blowtorch then use the mammoth and think about selling off or trading the blowtorch for something you might like more.

No problems using a guitar OD on bass, or with a solid state amp. Only difference is the drive is all going to come from the pedal, and none from pushing the amp harder. I use lots of OD"s with a solid state amp, and so do lots of other people on here. For OD, there's tons of threads about that if you search for them.

I think tremolo is fun, so if you have it and like it, keep it around untll you're tired of it. I agree about fuzz, OD, and a tuner being what I need, and everything else being more for fun.

A boost or volume pedal can be good if you need to get louder or quieter to match guitarists. Its only going to work if you don't have you'r amp cranked all the way already though.

Other pedals to get improvements is going to depend on you. Are you happy with the amp and bass setup? If not, adding pedals is probably not going to change that or make things better.
If you are, check youtube and listen to a few kinds of effects to give you an idea what you might want to try. What I'd call the more common effects on peoples boards(other than fuzz and overdrive) are modulation (chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo- swirly sounds), filters (quacky), and delay. From there its all preference and playing style...

RickenBoogie · #4 10-03-2010, 10:39 AM

+1, your pedal gear seems all first rate. Next up, I'd focus on getting a better amp and speakers. The difference will astound you.

Swimming Bird · #5 10-03-2010, 11:22 AM

Welcome to Talkbass!

I agree with jucas -- if you don't like and aren't really using the Blowtorch, sell or trade it.

Otherwise it sounds like you're mostly happy with your setup, in which case, great! The only thing I would try, if you haven't already, is messing with the order. Obviously it depends on how you use your pedals now, but I bet GV-t >> Trem >> Mammoth could get you some cool sounds. That is, if the buffers running before the Mammoth don't irritate you.

brandall88 · #6 10-03-2010, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

+1, your pedal gear seems all first rate. Next up, I'd focus on getting a better amp and speakers. The difference will astound you.

do you think that it would be worth it to get something like a sansamp bass driver di to put in my chain? might that improve the sound of the acoustic b200 and 115 in lieu of a better amp? (limited funds)

RickenBoogie · #7 10-03-2010, 03:07 PM

The B200/115 rig is great for what it is, a budget priced entry level amp. It will last for years to come. I think they sound better than what you'd expect for an amp in that price range. But no, adding more pedals will never make up for whatever you're lacking in that dept. Just keep saving your money, instead of spending what you have, every time you have it. Rock the gear you own, focus on *playing*, all the while, saving up all you can. Eventually, you'll have enough for a much better amp and speakers, and you'll be glad you did.