Choose my 3rd effect, please...

fretlessman71 · #1 09-06-2008, 09:25 AM

Okay - my ability to reason is temporarily compromised, so please no posts about how I should solve this myself or do a search. I'm getting nowhere with that.

I have a Boss plastic pedalboard that holds 3 effect pedals. I have a tuner and a limiter/enhancer and am happy with both of them.

I've had a chorus in the 3rd spot, but haven't had much use for it and found that it tends to get in the way of my tone rather than enhance it.

I have an EQ there right now, and it's fine except that with an active bass I really don't need it for much.

Your thoughts on what would be the most USEFUL effect for the 3rd spot would be much appreciated.

My main gig does not involve hard rock - I play mainly with a piano player as a duo in a very quiet room performing rock, soul, r&b, and some more modern songs like Maroon 5 or Train. I end up playing a lot of "Victor Wooten" percussion; that is, I play 'kick & snare' in muted thumb-pop fashion while integrating the bass line in order to pull off the more rockin' tunes we do (there's only so much a bass and piano can accomplish).

I realize this thread's existence will irk some members to the core before they even read the first line, so please accept my apologies in advance. I'm stumped.

Thanks in advance kids.

christmetal · #2 09-06-2008, 09:27 AM

Try to find a Boss RV 3
it is a reverb and delay pedal in one
they actually stopped making them becasue boss realized that they could make more money by seperating the pedals and seling them individually
the delay and reverb sound amazing on it and its not expensice at all
hope this helps

fretlessman71 · #3 09-06-2008, 09:51 AM

Not bad at all...worth a try. Thanks christmetal. Anyone else?

bongomania · #4 09-06-2008, 10:09 AM

Though I am irked to the core, I will suggest an envelope filter. I know you might think "no, I don't play wacked out funk", but a filter set to more subtle settings can provide a lot of motion and expression and tonal changes that respond to your amplitude and attack. An envelope phaser would be another great choice but I don't know of one that will fit in that pedalboard, so try the filter.

RickenBoogie · #5 09-06-2008, 11:17 AM

I'd stick with another Boss pedal whatever you get. Those boards are made for them, so that's what I've got for you. Consider, an octave, the aforememtioned reverb/delay, (does Boss do a filter?), or whatever.

fretlessman71 · #6 09-06-2008, 03:47 PM

I know Boss made a T wah back in the day - will explore and see what else they do now. Thanks for the info guys - sorry to irk you Bongo.

bongomania · #7 09-06-2008, 04:04 PM

I was joking.

fretlessman71 · #8 09-06-2008, 08:12 PM

...But I'm STILL sorry.

Jared Lash · #9 09-06-2008, 08:39 PM

Considering that the board you are using is made for Boss pedals, it greatly limits your selection.

In general I think overdrive is a good effect for most bass players, but the Boss ODB-3 is far from a pedal I'd recommend, especially considering the kind of stuff you've said you play.

There are a number of Boss pedals that I do like, but based on what you've said, I'd narrow my recommendations down to (1) the aforementioned RV-3 (2) a BF-2 or (3) an OC-2.

The RV-3 can lend some ambiance as a reverb or a delay. I don't know if you play any fretless at all, but that's a good use for reverb on bass, especially in a stripped down mix like you have.

I'm not a huge fan of the BF-2, but it is widely regarded as one of the best flangers for use on bass. In your case I think you'd want to keep it fairly light, but it can also add some color. But the last suggestion is probably the one I'd most recommend. An octave can fill space and give some heft and funk to your lines and the OC-2 has some real character to its sound.

That's all I can think of for now - hope it helps.