A couple of nights ago I was reading about different overdrives on bass... someone was looking for one that would do a nice *mild* overdrive.
A number of suggestions ensued, some clips were provided... and I liked the Danelectro clips... and for such a cheap pedal, I ordered one.
Got it today.
A Cool Cat Transparent Overdrive (the golden one).
Level, Gain, and a dual pot for bass/treble.
I really like this pedal. First, it can boost the signal a LOT. The gain control affects volume too, much like an amp. At minimal gain settings it's quiet so you need to turn up thelevel to get a similar volume with the pedal on/off. And at that position, it sounds pretty clean. If you hit the strings hard you can hear *a bit* of "grit", but normal playing sounds quite clean. It can get pretty dirty, but it has a good range where you can add gain slowly and find the exact amount you want. It retains the bottom end, it sounds fat, it growls... I think it's going into my live FX immediately for those songs that need just a bit of dirt.
The tone controls are pretty effeective. The treble doesn't go crazy, it stays at a useful range, and the bass is not boomy but it can add a lot of body. I find, however, that I leave the controls pretty much at neutral position.
The dirtier sounds are not its forte. I'm not a big fan of heavily distorted bass anyway, but I heard a lot better. However, for mild overdrive... this thing is fantastic and well cheap!
I already have a Digitech Bad Monkey, which I like a lot, but it sounds a bit boxy. I think I like the Danelectro better, but I'll probably use both: the Danelectro for softer overdrive, and the Bad Monkey for heavier stuff... then the MXR M80 for harder distortion (like the intro to "Around the world" by the RHCP - I play in a RHCP tribute band).
Worth checking if you're after a mild overdrive, regardless of budget. I am not saying this pedal sounds good for the money, I am saying it sounds good, whatever the cost. It's a bonus that it's one of teh cheapest!
